Commissioners Surprised By Heady’s Death

Jackson County Commissioners shocked by the tragic passing of County Mayor Randy Heady Sunday.

Commissioner Troy York said he was aware of Heady’s battle with cancer but the mayor’s death still came as a surprise. York said Heady was a very good leader who reached out to and worked with the local population.

“He got along with all the commissioners and he was for improving the community,” York said. “So anytime that you’re trying to improve the community for the benefit of the citizens that’s always a plus and Randy was that type of individual.”

Commissioner Jeff Smallwood said Heady was good to work with as he was always willing to hear other people’s ideas and suggestions. Smallwood said Heady’s death will not only affect the county’s government, but the whole community that Heady was so involved in.

“Randy (Heady) not only was just the county mayor, not only was he a pastor, but he was a former county commissioner himself,” Smallwood said. “He loved his community, his town, his county. His passion for the county is what made him a good leader.”

Commissioner Jack Meadows said it is going to be hard for the county to move forward without Heady. Meadows said it is hard to find public servants like Heady who genuinely put others before themselves.

“He listened to what you needed and tried to help you work toward what you needed,” Meadows said. “He didn’t expect to do it all himself, he let you jump in there and work towards what you needed to help the county.”

Meadows said one of Heady’s strengths as a leader was that he was a local who knew the needs of the county and the public. Meadows said he serves as fire chief for the Flynn’s Lick Volunteer Fire Department and Heady would personally help the department handle its grants.

Smallwood said his heart is broken by Heady’s death as he has known Heady for all of his life. Smallwood said the community is now focused on supporting Heady’s family during this time of grief.

York said Heady’s passing will have an impact on the county but he hopes the county can find a leader to pick up where Heady left off.

Heady will be buried Thursday.