Biography

Judge Heath was born on June 26, 1953 to Texie Mae Johnson and Paul H. Heath in the small farming community of Rockfish, North Carolina. He is the youngest of three children born to and reared by his parents. Judge Heath attended the public schools in Hoke County where he participated in several sports. He graduated from Hoke County High School in 1971 and then attended Appalachian State University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Psychology upon graduation in 1975.

He is married to the former Carolyn Beeker. From this union, two children were born. Upon moving to Marlboro County in August 1975, Judge Heath gained employment with Probation, Parole and Pardons. He started as a probation officer, and in four years was promoted to agent-in-charge of the Marlboro County Office. While employed with Probation, Parole and Pardon, he served as a Firearms Instructor through the Criminal Justice Academy. Judge Heath was recognized as Supervisor of the Year in 1991. He remained in this position until January 4,1999 when he began as Probate Judge of Marlboro County. In November of 2002, he was elected to a second term without opposition.

Marlboro County Probate Court has recently received a grant and is organizing a Mental Health Court over which Judge Heath will preside.