K. Everritt Heaton, Jr.

K. Everritt Heaton, Jr., beloved husband, father, son, brother, and community servant, departed this life on March 6, 2026, in Bell, Florida, surrounded by his family as they sang hymns and held hands in prayer. Born on April 15, 1985, in Greenville, South Carolina, Everritt's journey through life was marked by unwavering faith, selflessness, and a profound love for his family and community. 

A proud graduate of Trenton High School in 2003, and later a student at Florida College in Tampa, Everritt dedicated his life to service in numerous capacities. He called Gilchrist County Home since he was 9 years old and spent his life proudly serving in the community. His career included time spent as a Trenton Volunteer Firefighter, City Commissioner and employee for Watson-Milton Funeral Home. At the time of his passing, he was serving as both a Gilchrist County First Responder-Chaplain and an evangelist at the Church of Christ in Trenton. He was a man who loved God's people with his whole heart and saw people for who they are. For 16 years, he was blessed to work with the Trenton Congregation, a special group of God's people that molded him into the preacher he became. His hope was always that the work he cherished would continue to thrive even beyond his earthly presence.

His life was filled with loving memories spent with family, whether through ranger rides, family vacations, or cheering for his children from the stands or coaching them from the field. He spent his time wisely teaching his children valuable life lessons and skills he had grown to master. He also taught them the importance of God first and modeled that in his everyday living. Everitt found joy in simple pleasures, such as sitting in the swing at the barn, planting gardens, and creating lasting memories through woodworking and home renovations with his family—always promising to share these efforts with others.

In 2006, Everritt married his best friend, Belinda Heaton. Together, they celebrated 20 years of a marriage built on a mutual commitment to place Christ at the center of their lives. Their bond was nothing short of a true love story, a testament to selfless love that defined their journey together.

Everritt's character was an embodiment of wisdom beyond his years, serving not only as a teacher but also as a devoted and honest friend. He was determined, generous, and courageous—a fighter until his last breath. His proudest accomplishment was his unwavering commitment to allow God to use him to help save lives and souls, ensuring that all glory was given to the One he faithfully served.

Everritt leaves behind a loving family. He is survived by his best friend and spouse, Belinda Heaton; children, Braylyn, Kendon, Karina, and Celina; his parents, Kent Heaton, Sr. and Karen Heaton; his siblings, Susan (Bryan) Fletcher from Ringgold, GA, Kevin (Brittany) Heaton from Zephyrhills, FL, and Sarah (Saif) Alsafeer from Tulsa, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews: Joslyn Fletcher, Josie Heaton, Leila Alsafeer, Jordan Alsafeer, Riley Heaton, Hayden Heaton, Zeke Fletcher, Graham Heaton, and Aden Alsafeer; bonus grandchildren, Stetson and Paisley Maxwell. Everritt was also deeply cherished by extended family, friends, and children which he adored as his own.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth Taylor, Barbara Taylor, and John and Mary Heaton.

Everritt Heaton will be greatly missed, remembered not only for his dedication to service and faith but for his incredible capacity to love. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him, as his spirit lives on in the hearts of family, friends, and the community he so profoundly impacted. 

A visitation for K. Everritt Heaton, Jr. will be held at Trenton High School Auditorium on Friday, March 20th from 6-8 pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 21 at 10:00 am also at the Trenton High School Auditorium. Everritt will be buried with fire rescue honors at City of Chiefland Cemetery in Chiefland, Fl following the service.  Following interment family and friends are invited to join in a meal at Haven Hospice Community Building at 311 NE 9th St, Chiefland, Fl. 

Everritt's final wishes were for his arrangements to be under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home in Trenton, Fl. His words were, "They are not just a funeral home, they are my family." Watson-Milton Funeral Home in Trenton, Fl is honored to fulfill his wishes. www.watsonmilton.com 352.463.8888