Longtime Denton resident, Millard D. Heath, retired owner of Millard Heath & Co., died March 19, 2015 at age 87 after a long and rewarding life. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Pat; his eldest daughter Cameron; his son-in-law Billy Barham; not to mention his namesake and light of his life, his grandson Heath Barham. He is also survived by his cousin Bill Graves, his niece Patsy Mitchell, his nephew Mike Higgins and all of their families. He was predeceased in 1985 by his daughter Heather.

Mil's relationship with his adopted city of Denton began in 1966 when he was awarded the air conditioning contract for the First Baptist Church's new worship facilities on Malone Street. The business relationships that he developed while completing that job led to more and more work in the Denton region leading him to move his business and his family from his Abilene, Texas birthplace in 1969. In leaving Abilene, he left behind a close-knit group of childhood friends. However, he sustained those relationships his entire life and is survived by the following of those friends: Sydney Howze, Everett McGehee, Frank McCombs, Evan Duvall and Jack Wood.

The move to Denton was rewarding to Millard, both personally and professionally and he sought civic responsibilities to do his part to support the city.

Over the years, he served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Advisory Council at NTSU (now UNT), President of the Advisory Council at TWU, President of Rotary Club as well as serving on numerous committees and boards. As recently as two years ago, he volunteered at the Courthouse Museum and served on the Denton Historical Foundation monuments committee.

He was a lifelong financial supporter of the Salvation Army, and numerous veteran's organizations. He was a car enthusiast from the time he was a young man. He loved to play golf, to build things, to hunt and fish. He was a loyal friend with a great big heart and brought joy to all who knew him. He will be missed by all.

His memorial service will be held at Southmont Baptist church at 2 pm, Monday, March 23 with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall.

The burial will be a private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Salvation Army or Alzheimer's Organization.

A few of hisHis list of civic contributions include: former president of the Chamber of Commerce