Heath Woodliff

Heath Ray Woodliff, 38, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, December 8, 2016, after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 14, at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Waco. The family will receive visitors from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, at the funeral home.

Heath was born on August 14, 1978, in Waco to Edmond Ray Woodliff Jr. and Donna (Del Buono) Woodliff. At the age of 5, he moved with his parents and younger sister to Hewitt. He attended Midway High School, from which he graduated in 1996. While in high school, Heath discovered his love for broadcast journalism, and began working at KWTX at the age of 17. He eventually worked his way up to News Director, a position he loved and held until leaving KWTX after 15 years of employment. He delighted in helping younger, newer employees learn the news business, and thoroughly enjoyed his job and the many friends he made at KWTX. During his years at KWTX, Heath also attended Baylor University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Telecommunications.

In 2012, Heath moved to College Station, to work at a local television affiliate, but soon decided he was ready to go in a different direction, and moved back to Waco. He was hired at EMSI, and again found a job that he loved. He enjoyed the investigative nature of his work, and was soon promoted to CSR Supervisor, a position he held until his death. Heath was recognized several times by both managers and clients for his diligent work ethic, and dedication to his job.

As a child, Heath enjoyed occasional fishing trips with his grandparents and sister Trisha. For several years, he attended First Baptist Church of Hewitt, where he was baptized.

After losing both his father and grandfather between the ages of 8 and 10, Heath became the "man" of his family at a young age. He was very close to his Grandmom, with whom he spent many hours talking about his work and interests (particularly sports), much to her delight.

Heath was a faithful friend, and remained close to many of his high school friends throughout his entire life. Loving to party and socialize in his younger years, Heath eventually adopted a quieter, more private life, spending most of his time watching and "studying" numerous sports, which he took quite seriously. He loved listening to podcasts on current affairs and any subject that caught his interest. Outside of work, Heath was rarely seen without his headphones and one of his trademark baseball caps.

Heath also developed an interest in cooking, whipping up many new concoctions in the kitchen, and often texting pictures and descriptions of them to his family and friends. He had a quiet but fun sense of humor, and frequently entertained his family with his informative and funny text messages.

Although Heath mostly preferred just staying at home, he was "coerced" into taking several trips with family members to Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Niagara Falls, Canada. His family thoroughly enjoyed these vacations with Heath, and it was obvious that he enjoyed them too.

Heath looked forward to frequent family get-togethers with his fairly large family of sisters, brother, mother, in-laws, and his 6 nieces, whom he dearly loved. It was as if Heath "let go" and become a carefree kid again, when he was around his nieces. He also took advantage of these occasions to talk sports with his brothers-in-law, or discuss movies and music with his brother Brandon and sister Courtney.

He cherished the friendships he made with his many co-workers, but cared very little for material things, even driving the same old Nissan pickup for almost 15 years.

Heath was preceded in death by his dad, as well as his grandparents, Wilma and Donald Del Buono, and Edith and Edmond Woodliff Sr.

He is survived by his mother, sisters Trisha Menchu and husband William, Courtney Lopez and husband Noah, and his younger brother Brandon Woodliff and girlfriend Kezia Pagel. Also surviving Heath are his six nieces, Alyssa, Brooke, Camryn, Daisy, Jocelyn, and baby Dylan.

Following the funeral service, a reception will be held at the funeral home. Although Heath's trademark deviled eggs (which he prepared for all family holidays) won't be there, the family would like to invite everyone attending to stay and celebrate Heath's life with us.

We love him with all our hearts, and he will be truly missed.

If you prefer, in Lieu of flowers you can make cash donations in Heath's name for the Toys for Tots toy drive in care of KWTX.