KINSTON - Vernie Heath, Jr. 87, of Kinston passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at Classic Country Care. He was born on October 5, 1923, to the late Laura Robinson Heath and Vernie Heath Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Annie C. Heath; and his son, Charles Lionel Heath. Vernie retired from Barrus Construction Co. and was a member and Elder of Rivermont Presbyterian Church. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during WWII and was stationed in England. Vernie was always a hero to his daughters. He is survived by daughters, Dianne Heath Thomas and husband Kenny, of Kinston and Lynn Heath Ward of Newport; four grandchildren, Charles L. Heath Jr. and wife Ruth, Dustin Heath and wife Tiffany, Ken Thomas and wife Pam, Dana Thomas Seidel and husband Eric; 10 great-grandchildren; and one grand dog Arwen. The family will receive friends from 10 -11 a.m. Friday, January 7, 2011, at Howard-Carter Funeral Home and other times at the home of his daughter, Dianne Heath Thomas. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. following the visitation at the Funeral Home with Pastor David Tripp officiating. Interment will follow the service at Pinelawn Memorial Park. The family would like to express a special thank you to Classic Country Care for their loving care of Mr. Vernie. Arrangements by Howard-Carter Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at kinston.com. (Paid obituary)