Adam Brayton Heath

By Submitted Story on August 18, 2026

Adam Brayton Heath, 52, of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, passed away at home on August 11, 2026 in the arms of his wife Courtney after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on June 16, 1974 in Richmond, Virginia, to Charles Brayton Heath II and Patricia Greene Heath, Adam’s childhood started in a log cabin his parents built by hand.  He had a magical, wonderful place to develop his unparalleled imagination and love for nature. When the family relocated to Kitty Hawk, true to his character, Adam quickly went from riding dirt bikes through wood trails to riding waves and barrels. His friends remember him as one of the better surfers of his generation, but he didn’t surf for laurels or trophies, he just loved to be outside and in the water. A surfboard under one arm, boardshorts on…ready to tackle the next swell in the blink of an eye.

Music was a part of Adam’s DNA. An extremely talented and self-taught guitarist, he could fill a room with music as easily as he filled it with laughter. His storytelling, wit, and humor were legendary. Adam didn’t just show up to a party, he was the reason it was worth remembering.

Adam truly was a jack-of-all-trades and in his words “master of none”.  He worked many different jobs and wore many hats in his life, but he found his true passion in trading the stock market. Once again, he taught himself how to do it all. He quickly became a remarkable options trader, a perfect niche for his tenacity and quick mind.

If he wasn’t surfing, playing guitar, or working, Adam most enjoyed spending time with his friends and family; from helping his dad crab at dawn to attending his nephews and friend’s family sporting events. He enjoyed coaching soccer; everyone wanted to be on his team. He also enjoyed walking on the beach in the evenings, competing with his beloved wife Courtney to see who could find the night’s best treasure.

The other great love of his life: his son Tristin.  Whether playing music, tennis, surfing, or golfing, Adam was always up for anything if it included spending time with his son and friends. Weekends at Adam’s were full of laughter and constant entertainment. He had a big heart and charisma for miles; he made you feel like you were the only person in the room. He cherished every minute with those he loved and played guitar until his last day.

Adam is survived by his wife of 15 years, Courtney Councill Heath; his son, Tristin Heath; his parents, Chuck and Pat Heath; his brother, Ashley and wife Johanna; and nephews, Brayton and Elijah Heath. He is also survived by his aunt Judy and Bill Daily; cousins, Matthew and Leanna Daily; his aunt Dianne and David Pernell; cousin, Emery Meekins; uncle, Evans and Betty Heath; cousin, Toms; and aunt, Betsy Heath.

A memorial service will be held on the beach in front of Sea Dunes in Kitty Hawk, NC on Sunday, August 30th, beginning at 5PM. There will be music, remembrances, and all who wish to do so are invited to paddle out one last time with Adam.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Surfing for Autism in Kitty Hawk, NC. Please leave a message of comfort at gallopfuneralservices.com.  Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.

(In the) last words of Jimi Hendrix.  “The story of Jesus is so… easy to explain…the story of life quicker than the wink of an eye…the story of love is hello and goodbye until we meet again”.

Adam is with Jesus, loved, and free of pain. He will live in our hearts forever.  We will all meet again.