David Heatherly

George David Heatherly of Spartanburg died Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. David was born in Miami, FL on September 4, 1946, to the late William Vance Heatherly and Norma Lucille Keeter Heatherly. He married his soulmate, Rita Harrington, on August 25, 1978, and theirs was a sacred union for 47 years.

David attended Gardner Webb University, completed a Bachelor of Science and a master’s degree in counseling at Western Carolina University. In 1984 he earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling from the University of South Carolina. David practiced Marriage and Family therapy in Spartanburg since 1973.

He served his country in Vietnam in the 101st Airborne Division, the 326th Medical Battalion as a Combat Medic from 1970 through 1971.

Surviving David are his wife, Rita Harrington Heatherly; his sister-in-law, Mary Jo Harrington Tone; his niece, Rebecca Rae Tone; his goddaughter, Kelly Orner Toney; his niece Rachel Bryant (Jason); his nephews, Jeffrey and Jimmy Sprouse; his precious fur babies, Harry, Solomon and Ruby. He was preceded in death by his niece: Rita Denise Tone; his brother-in-law: A. Robert Tone; a sister: Mary Sprouse. 

David felt the three most life changing events in his lifetime were: The Vietnam experience, completing his Ph.D. and meeting and marrying his mentor, guide, fellow journeyer, friend, lover and companion, his wife Rita.

David believed there were many ways to seek the Divine. He saw all that is as sacred. David believed the Kingdom of Heaven was both an internal and external experience. He believed in Original Blessing that when God looked over HER creation she fell in love with the radiance and said it was good. David fully believed he had always been here and always will be. He was loved and respected by his family, friends and his community.

David is loved and adored by his wife forever and beyond.

Rita would like for those wishing to remember David to make contributions to Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303, World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20037 or contributions of your choice.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.