Ronald Edward Heard, Sr.

Mr. Ronald Edward Heard, Sr., affectionately known as “Wee” to family and friends was born on December 31, 1947, in Brighton, Alabama to the late Rueben Heard Jr. and Ella Mae Calvert Heard. He was the second of five children.

Mr. Heard attended Jefferson County High School, where he exceeded greatly in his studies, he played football and his artistic abilities were so great, that he constructed a dinosaur statue using only newspaper. Mr. Heard was an active young man and was baptized and attended Shiloh Baptist Church, where he sang in the Youth Choir, and rendered his services by cleaning the church.

While stationed in Miami Beach, Florida Mr. Heard met and married Linda. They would go on to raise their family, travel the world and spend many joyous occasions with friends and family.

Upon leaving High School and graduating Mr. Heard found work in the Mulga Coal Mine, he worked there for a short while, before deciding to enlist in the United States Air Force, where he would give his services for the next three years. Mr. Heard continued his civic duties and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, where he would serve until his retirement. Upon his retirement Mr. Heard illustrious career gained him many awards, accomplishments, and accolades. He received the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Service Ribbon, Fifth Coast Guard Good Conduct Award, Coast Guard Unit Meritorious Commendation, Coast Guard Humanitarian Service Medal, Coast Guard Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon with Silver Medal, Coast Guard Expert Rifle Ribbon, Coast Guard Sea Service Ribbon, Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon and the national Defense Ribbon.

Mr. Heard’s time spent in the military afforded him much time to enjoy life while even pursuing a short career in the culinary arts field as a Chef. He worked for Baptist East and even lend his hands to a small catering company. Mr. Heards' favorite past time was Cooking and Grilling. Whenever he would visit anyone’s house the first things he would do was run out of your own kitchen and cook one of his famous gourmet meals. He enjoyed feeding his family and showing his culinary skills. He loved spending time with his family and friends, he was known to cut a step or two at family gatherings. He lived his life traveling the world with his wife Linda, visiting his children and grandchildren.

On October 28, 2023, Mr. Heard entered from earth to eternity. He will be greatly remembered and live in the hearts of his family, friends, and loved ones.

He leaves to cherish a legacy of love to his wife: Linda Heard; his children: LaTonya Heard of Brighton, Alabama, Pamela (Kenneth) Brooks of Miami, Florida, La’Shon (Alberto) Alshabazz of Jacksonville, Florida, and Ronald (Victoria) Heard, Jr of Bessemer, Alabama; his grandchildren: Quran (Carly) Wilson, Aeisha Wilson, Brandon (Ann-Marie) Brooks, JaQuay Brooks, Tyoina Heard, Ja’Hayilaa Sanders, Ti’Cariyah Heard, Allan Alshabazz, and Rueben Heard; his great grandchildren: Christopher Morris, Callie Brooks, Cayla Brooks, Everett Wilson and Rome Brooks; his siblings: Alfred (Vikki) Calvert Sr. of Jacksonville, Florida, Carolyn Heard of Detroit, Michigan, Shirley Heard-Brooks of Bessemer, Alabama, Larry (Fannie) Holmes of Fairfield, Alabama, Martha Heard June of Bessemer, Alabama, Janice Holmes of Brighton, Alabama and Eric Heard of Brighton, Alabama; one uncle: Arthur (Willie Ann) Calvert of San Diego, California; one aunt: Essie Willis of Brighton, Alabama; two sisters-in-law: Patricia (Ali) Tilley of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sherry (Everett) Murphy Columbus, Georgia; one brother-in-law: Michael (Jacqueline) Cooks; his special CAN: Susie Pendleton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and loving friends.

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