Mr. Heyward Preston Christie, age 69, of Lake City, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023 after an extended illness. Mr. Christie was born in Lake City, Florida on February 22, 1954 to the late Pauline (Bullard) and Howard Laverne Christie. Heyward was a lifelong resident of Columbia County, Florida. He was an aircraft mechanic at Aero Corporation for several years prior to taking a job with the City of Lake City in 1986 and retiring in 2019 after 33 years of service. During his time with the city, Heyward was involved in many activities and programs including youth sports. He volunteered his time coaching football for many years with Columbia Youth Football. Heyward was a sports official for much of his adult life. He officiated several sports including football, baseball, softball, and basketball. During his officiating experience, Heyward officiated several state championship games in baseball, softball, and football. Heyward was a devout Christian that spent the last 20 years of his life serving his church, First Full Gospel, in several different capacities including being a deacon. In his free time, Heyward was an avid grill master that could cook, barbecue, and bake just about any dish. In retirement, Heyward enjoyed spending time with his family, precious puppy Baileywick, and watching his two granddaughter's games, performances, and award ceremonies.

Heyward is survived by his wife of 48 years Deborah (Burnette) Christie; son Dr. Michael Preston Christie of Lake City; granddaughters Ava and Gracyn Christie; sisters Gail Dyal of Ocala, Audrey Giebieg (Mark) of Lake City, and Ethel Brookins (Ken) of Wellborn; as well several nieces and nephews Heyward is also preceded in death by two brothers.

A funeral service for Mr. Christie will be conducted on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Pastor Stan Ellis officiating, assisted by Rev. Isadore Williams. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Wednesday evening, May 31, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.