Joe Heaton

Joseph David Heaton, age 53, of Huntersville, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville after a two-year battle with cancer. He was a well-known TV broadcaster. Visiting hours and services are planned Saturday at Davidson United Methodist Church. (Details below.)

Joe was raised on Heaton Creek in East Tennessee where he enjoyed a close extended family and found pleasure in the outdoor life, including playing  baseball, football and basketball. His love of sports and sports announcing led him to pursue a degree in broadcast journalism at East Tennessee State. Joe’s career in broadcasting began in 1976 and allowed him to be involved in almost every aspect of television broadcasting.

Joe started at WCYB-TV in Bristol, Va., and later moved to Greenville, S.C., and WHNS-TV where he ultimately became the director of station operations and programming. Since 2001, Joe has been program and creative services manager at WJZY/WMYT-TV in Charlotte.

Joe always put family first. He was selfless and cherished his role as a family leader. He found joy in great friendships, travel, snow skiing, music and sports. Joe had a special fondness for sports and enjoyed family trips to see the Tennessee Volunteers and the Atlanta Braves. His shared his knowledge of baseball with the Stewards of the Game in Huntersville, where he loved coaching his son and all of his players over the years.

Joe enjoyed church life immensely and had many great friendships because of it. Joe was a member of Aldersgate Methodist Church in Greenville, S.C., and found Disciple Bible Study, Sunday School and Walk to Emmaus to be some of the many experiences that were especially meaningful during those years.

Joe was an active member of Davidson United Methodist Church in Davidson NC, and he was ready and at peace for his journey home and found comfort in his relationship with God. He would love for everyone to know the benefits of a personal relationship with God, found in church or simply in everyday life.

Joe is survived by his wife, Helen and children Rachel Willis of Charlotte and Madison Heaton at home. Joe is also survived by his mother, Louise Heaton, sister Patsy Barnett and her husband Don of Johnson City, Tenn., and brother Randy Heaton of Roan Mountain, Tenn. The family would like to extend a special thanks to all of those at WJZY for the support and love they have given over the past two years.

Visitation will be this Saturday, Oct. 23, from 12:30 to 2:00 at Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 South Main Street in Davidson. The celebration of his Joe Heaton’s life will follow from 2:00 to 3:00 at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Stewards of the Game, PO Box 1345, Huntersville, NC 28070.