Frederick Heath

Frederick Heath, Jr. was born in February 17, 1937 in Memphis, Tennessee to the union of Frederick and Nezzie Heath, both originally from Wynne, Arkansas. He accepted Christ at an early age at Central Baptist Church and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tennessee.
After high school he attended Wilberforce College in Xenia, Ohio and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in 1960. He worked as a social worker and part time minister while pursuing his Master’s in Theology at Payne Theological Seminary graduating in 1963. Fred also obtained a second Master’s in History from the University of Dayton in 1973 and an Honorary Doctorate from Monrovia College and Industrial Institute in Monrovia, Liberia in 1986.
During his period of studying and living in Dayton, Ohio, Fred married Annie Frank Adams formerly of Leeds, Alabama. Both Fred and Annie brought a daughter to their union – Carla Ratliff and Robin Nemore. They were later blessed with Michael, Beverly, Tracey and Kara.
Frederick Heath considered himself a Servant of God and God’s people. He exemplified this in the life he led. He was always willing to help anyone in need, whether it be spiritually, financially, through mentoring or creating business opportunities.
Fred pastored numerous churches in Ohio, including Residence Park in Dayton. He was the first African American pastor in the history of the church when they chose him in 1966. Under his leadership the church grew and expanded their work in the community.
His longest and most memorable tenure was at Gaines United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1972-1988. During that time, he helped the Gaines congregation build a new church in their current location on Madison Road in Madisonville. Fred was responsible for organizing the first combined Methodist multi-denominational service held at Riverfront stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was then promoted to District Superintendent of the Toledo District, serving 1988-1994.
When Fred returned to Cincinnati, he pastored Ammons United Methodist Church until he retired. It was at Ammons he helped several fledgling congregations of various denominations by offering them space to worship and grow. One of those churches, under the leadership of Rev. Vera Cole, became a new United Methodist Church, Keys of the Kingdom. During his tenure at Ammons, Fred married long- time friend Mildred Oglesby. They enjoyed 19 years together.
God called Frederick home on July 16, 2020. He was preceded in death by his daughter Tracey Heath, brother, Twyman Heath and sister Dorothea LaBranche (Thaddeus). Left to cherish his memories are his wife Mildred Oglesby Heath; children, Carla Ratliff (Leslie), Robin Nemore (George), Michael Heath, Beverly Heath, Kara Heath Mendez, and Tyrone Frederick Heath; siblings Gustalvia Heath (Patricia), Larry Heath and Jacquelyn Parker (Bill); 8 grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.