Dr. H. Heith Durrence

Dr. H. Heith Durrence, age 45 passed away at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, CA on Sunday, June 9, 2019. After 17 days of courageously fighting a traumatic brain injury from a concussion-related fall, Heith ended up in irreversible vegetative state.  He would never have wanted to live that way, so life support was removed, and he peacefully passed away in his wife’s arms.  In his final moment of generosity, Heith was a superhero by donating his organs to save others.

Born on July 12, 1973 in Statesboro, GA, Heith was raised by Betty Durrence in Reidsville, GA.  He  earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology from the University of Memphis.  Heith truly enjoyed academic life as a professor.  As a sleep doctor, Heith continued his love of research in the pharmaceutical industry for more than 17 years and brought several new drugs to market.

Heith met his soulmate and best friend, Candice, at Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, where they fell in love with their heart, mind, body and soul (HMBS).  They were married at Sandals Resort in Nassau, Bahamas on September 26, 2009.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Cindy Kennedy Durrence, father, Henry Durrence, mom, Betty Durrence Waters, and papa, Homer Durrence, maternal grandparents, James Kennedy and Sally Kennedy Parker.

He is survived by his wife, Candice; brother, Dennis (Glenda) Durrence; half siblings, Dustin Durrence and Mandy Durrence; special uncle and aunt, Herschel and Pansy Clark; aunts, June Smith, Alicia (Bobby) Speer, Juanita Morris, and Joyce Clark; special cousin, Michelle Speer Scott; cousins, Mitchell Speer, Patience (Dwayne) Jenkins,Brian (Sloan) Kennedy, Jim (Kacey) Kennedy, and Jenny Kennedy.

The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00pm on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at the funeral home.  Memorial funeral services will be conducted at 2:30pm Sunday, July 14, 2019 at the Chapel of Low Country Cremation and Burial with Rev. Marc Foster officiating.

Low Country Cremation and Burial is serving the Durrence family.