Rocky Lee Heathcock

Rocky Lee Heathcock, 61, lost his long battle with illness on Thursday, June 27, 2024 in Vancouver, Canada while trying to fulfill one of his bucket list dreams of an Alaskan cruise. Rocky was born the sixth of seven children on June 2, 1963, in Fort Worth, Texas to the late L C Heathcock and Betty Ann Richards. Growing up in Texas, he loved the state. If Texas was on it, playing in it or built by it, he was all in.

Having been raised Baptist, he had a wonderful love of Jesus. He converted to Catholicism when he married Karen embracing the faith and tradition of the Church. Joining the Knights of Columbus, he took great pride in achieving the level of 4th degree Knight.

A genuine and beautiful soul, Rocky loved with passion. His great loves were God, family and the great state of Texas.

Rocky was blessed with his daughter Lindsey in 1988, a beautiful gift from his first marriage. In finding love with his wife, Karen, he acquired 2 young boys, Clay and Nick, and always said “you’re my son because you shine not because you’re mine.” His children were the great joys of his life, He instilled in them a love of life, strength, independence and sense of adventure along with humor.

Traveling was one of Rocky’s favorite pastimes. Over his lifetime he was fortunate enough to have seen much of the US, Canada and Mexico. Hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends were major pastimes. Following baseball games, Rocky and Karen made each trip an adventure by camping nearby. I know there are kids and adults that have heard his advice of “…don’t buy a house, get a camper, better yet get a houseboat.”

Rocky had a long career at Nucor Steel starting in 1983. He helped the plant through two buy outs while working in many capacities from mill worker to supervisor to environmental control until he left on disability in 2016.

To occupy his time at home and in between bouts of illness, Rocky started woodworking. He was very creative and could see a branch or trunk in the woods and envision what it could become. Working on the lath gave him the joy of seeing the wood grain come alive in a bowl, vase or writing pen. Rocky taught himself everything he did and was able to repair, work on or maintain anything.

After several years of sickness and many tests, Rocky was finally diagnosed with a rare auto immune disease. He endured many doctors’ appointments, prodding, poking and hospital stays all while keeping his wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude.

Rocky is survived by wife, Karen Johnson, daughter Lindsey White and her husband Morgan, son’s Clay Johnson and his wife Lacey, Nick Johnson and his wife Kelly and six beloved grandchildren, Clark White, Alice White, Jude Johnson, Leo Johnson, Isla Johnson and Peri Johnson. Preceded in death by Thomas Richards.

The funeral will be Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 4:30 pm at Natchez Trace Funeral Home. Visitation will be held immediately following the service.

Bring a change of clothes to attend Rocky’s celebration of LIFE at Ridgeland Recreation Center, 137 Old Trace Park, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Starting at 6:00.

Rocky’s ashes will be buried in Texas later this year.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Rocky’s memory may be made to the International Hunter Education Association (ihea-usa.org/donate/) or Autistic Self Advocacy Network (secure.everyaction.com/uEXr_TqeBkqmQMlvi7itXg2)