HEATH FUNERAL CHAPEL, INC.
LAKELAND, FLORIDA

Heath Funeral Chapel Gary was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and spent his early childhood in Youngstown, Ohio, area. In 1954, he moved to Lakeland, where he attended Lake Morton Elementary, Lakeland Junior High, Southwest Junior High, and Lakeland High School, graduating in 1961. He then attended Florida Southern College. Gary married Janice Richardson of Auburndale in 1964, and began his career in banking with People Bank of Lakeland, where he worked for seven years. The Smiths then spent nine years in Sarasota County before moving back to Lakeland. Gary concluded his banking career in 1991 with Citrus and Chemical Bank, having served Senior Vice President and Lakeland Area Executive. Gary then began working with senior citizens, managing apartment communities for low-income elderly residents. He held that position until December of 2014.Gary enjoys playing senior softball and golf, kayaking, working in his yard, and following Florida Southern College athletics. He serves as a commissioner on the board of the Lakeland Housing Authority, and as a member of the City of Lakeland Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. He and Jan have two grown sons, Rand of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Gordon of Asheville, North Carolina. The Smiths are members of Lake Morton Community Church. Gary joined Heath Funeral Chapel in 2015. We're dedicated to providing personalized, professional and compassionate services to help lighten your burden and support you through the difficult times that follow the loss of a loved one. We're honored to assist you in your time of need, and would like to assure you that we'll do everything in our power to make your experience a meaningful and memorable one. We invite you to explore our unique history, meet our experienced staff, connect with our local community, and hear what our families have had to say. How We Can Help You will feel the support of knowing we are here to walk with you through this inevitable journey of grief every step of the way. We are committed to providing support, compassion, information, & guidance as needed to all of those in need in the community. We're proud to do our part in honoring veterans, and giving back to those whose sacrifice and patriotism define our great nation. We offer a full range of gifts to help comfort and support those who need it the most delivered direct from your local florist. Receive consistent support through our daily email to help you cope, heal, and grieve. © Funeral Home in Lakeland, FL | Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory - Funeral Home Website Design By