In Memory of Davis Heller

It is with a broken heart that we share Davis James Heller, 22, was called to his eternal home on October 5, 2022 from a viral response to the COVID vaccine that caused a sudden cardiac event. At the time of his passing, Davis was living in Tigerville, South Carolina as a member of the North Greenville University baseball team. He is survived by his parents, DJ and Melanie; his three sisters, Brianna, Lindsey, and Jenna; his brother-in-law, Matt; nephew, Luca Davis; beloved dog, Sailor; as well as Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and many cousins.

Born July 4, 2000, in Escondido, California, Davis entered the world 11lb, 13 ounces and 23 ½ inches long. He lived life passionately, enthusiastically, and loud. He valued the relationships in his life by taking care of everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path. Davis’ confidence and love overflowed into the people around him and inspired greatness.

Anyone who knew Davis knew that his lifelong passions extended beyond family and friends to the baseball field. Competition drove Davis from a young age and nothing was more important to him than winning. So much so that he often brought a jersey for both teams to sporting events so that he was sure to always be wearing the winning team’s jersey. There was nothing that brought a bigger smile to his face than playing on a team. As a youth player, he won two national championships with the Oakley Stingrays. He also helped lead his team at Valor Christian High School to their first ever baseball state championship in 2016 before moving to Gilbert, Arizona. In Gilbert he continued his accomplished high school career at Mesquite High School and earned 3x All-State Honors. He was named the No. 3 overall prospect and No. 2 right-handed pitcher in Arizona by Perfect Game USA and rated as the No. 4 player and right-handed pitcher in his home state of California by Prep Baseball Report.

After graduating from Mesquite High School in May of 2019 Davis went on to play baseball at South Mountain Community College. Once COVID hit in the spring of 2020, Davis decided to go back to his hometown to join The San Diego League, a college-based summer baseball league. During his time playing in San Diego, he won JUCO Player of the Year and was recruited to play baseball at the University of Alabama.

Davis’ successful sports career was not accomplished without overcoming significant adversity. Whether it was mental battles like the “yips” during his senior year of high school standing in the way of his dream of becoming an MLB pitcher, or various physical injuries jeopardizing his next playing opportunity, he always took it upon himself to become the best player he could. More importantly, he never let a setback affect his ability to be a great teammate. In May of 2022, Davis announced he would be leaving the University of Alabama and entered the transfer portal. Following a successful summer playing for the Macon Bacon in the Coastal Plains Summer League, he found his new home with the North Greenville Crusaders. If Davis was still here with us today, he would tell you God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers. He was proud of the story God was telling through him and found an opportunity to strengthen his faith in every trial he faced.

In his free time, you would most often find Davis playing golf or watching sports, hobbies he developed love for from the inspiration of his biggest role model and best friend, his dad. They bonded over playing and watching sports. Davis’ favorite teams included Alabama Crimson Tide Football, San Diego Padres, and the LA Chargers. He also had a passion for fishing and loved spending Christmas with his family in Cabo.

Above all things, Davis took care of the people in his life and loved people deeply. Davis lived BIG for Christ, loved BIG on his friends, family, and teammates, and made a BIG impact everywhere he went and in all the lives he touched. He was a goofy and loving son, brother, friend, and teammate to many. Through all the adversity Davis faced, the people in his life always admired his grit and toughness. For 22 years he had the ability to maintain a positive outlook on life and always aspired to be the best person, brother, son, friend, teammate, and athlete he could be.

The Heller Family invites you to join them under the lights at the Ray and Bea Dillard Field at North Greenville University for a Celebration of Life on November 30, 2022, at 4:00pm. Celebrants who have been touched by Davis through baseball are welcomed to wear jerseys/game day attire to honor Davis.

The Davis Heller Memorial Foundation has been created to give baseball players like Davis the financial opportunity to continue their careers at the collegiate level. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to honor his legacy. Please send all donations to PO Box 3661, Mooresville, NC 28117 or donate online by clicking here.