Pastor Justin Heath spent his final evening preaching about Lazarus, resurrection and the hope of heaven. Hours later, the 67-year-old North Carolina minister was killed while driving church members home from a revival service, leaving his family and congregation grieving a sudden loss that has given his last message extraordinary significance.
Heath, who led Fore Christ Church and Cutting Edge Revelational Ministries in Mount Olive, died following the Saturday, October 17, collision near Angier. His wife of 47 years, Lynn, was among those injured in the crash, which occurred after the evening gathering at Freedom Life Church.
His son-in-law, associate pastor Chad Smith, told ABC11 that Heath's sermon explored the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Recalling the message, Smith said Heath reflected on Lazarus having already entered heaven before being called back to earthly life. He also remembered the pastor expressing his own longing: "I can't wait to get to heaven."
The family had been preparing a surprise Pastor Appreciation celebration for the following morning. Smith, who ordinarily would have driven the van, stayed behind to help decorate for the event. Instead of welcoming Heath to a celebration, the congregation gathered Sunday to mourn him.
Authorities said a Honda Civic driven by off-duty Durham police Cpl. Joseph King allegedly ran a red light and struck Heath's van at the intersection of North Carolina Highway 210 and Old Stage Road. The van overturned, and Heath died at the scene. According to The Christian Post's October 20 report, King has been charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, and Durham police plan an internal investigation. Investigators said impairment was not a factor.
Several people were hospitalized after the collision, although published reports differ on the injury count. Heath's grandson, Joshua Smith, told the Daily Record, in a report carried by JoCo Report, that Lynn suffered a fractured shoulder and remained hospitalized longer than the other surviving van occupants.
Heath's ministry extended beyond the pulpit into practical support for vulnerable communities overseas. His grandson described missionary work that included assisting an orphanage in India, providing necessities for children in Honduras and distributing clothing and medical supplies. When travel was not possible, Heath continued training pastors online.
Known affectionately as "Papa Heath," he was remembered by Smith as a spiritual father whose influence reached across countries and generations. His final evening, spent preaching and praying with others, has become a source of comfort for relatives trying to absorb his death.
Heath is survived by his wife, two daughters and grandchildren. According to The Christian Post, a memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at 2 p.m. at Fore Christ Church, 770 Northeast Church Road, Mount Olive, North Carolina.
