Ray Anthony “Bear” Heard Sr. was born on April 30, 1953, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ray grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to the late Allen Heard Sr. and Mary Alice Heard.
He attended Baton Rouge Public Schools in his early years, later graduating from McKinley Senior High School, where he played football as a guard. Ray was one of the best! Soon after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed, and permanently relocated to Norfolk, Virginia. After serving, he was honorably discharged as a Vietnam veteran. Ray then attended Norfolk State University and Tidewater Community College, respectively.
Ray was a Packer Foreman for the Defense Distribution Depot on the Norfolk Naval Base, retiring after over 20 years of employment. He then dedicated his time to working as a Security Officer for the Atlantic Shores Retirement Community and Top Guard Security.
Ray enjoyed spending time with his family & friends, traveling and was an avid fisherman. He was also a long-time fan of the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints football teams. In his early years, he joined Ebenezer Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA, and later became a member of First Baptist Church soon after relocating to Norfolk. Ray also was a Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner. His kind and humble presence brought warmth and joy to everyone he encountered, and his passing will be mourned deeply by everyone who knew and loved him.
GOD called Ray home on September 16, 2024. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 45 years, Dorothy Heard; his father, Allen Heard Sr.; brothers, Allen Heard Jr. and Wayne Heard Sr.; sister, Sybil Matthews; and son, Donell Small Sr. Leaving behind to cherish his memory, his mother, Mary Alice Heard; sons, Ray Heard Jr. and Marcus Heard; brother, MacDonald Heard; and sisters, Sandra Brooks and Cassandra Jackson (all of Baton Rouge, LA.) He also left behind to continue his legacy his grandchildren Donell Small Jr., Tourae’ Boone, Chiara Boone, Dontae’ Edwards, DeArvae Heard, NaShawn Heard and Madison Small, and five great-grandchildren. Ray will also be sorely missed by a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
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Latonya James says
September 25, 2024 at 12:49 pmI’ma miss u Heard…I love u….u were an amazing father figure,friend….I loved our talks n laughs
Cleave Elmore Jr. says
September 28, 2024 at 3:49 pmTo the Family
May our prayers be with all of you as we mourn the loss of Ray. He was the first born of my nephews and nieces. He was like a little brother to me and was the heart and soul of his grandmother (my mother). We were proud of him and the responsible husband and father he become. We’ll keep the memories of him in our hearts and his spirit will serve as an inspiration to us as we go forward in life….THE LORD HAS CALLED HIM HOME AND IT IS OUR PRAYER THAT HE IS RESTING IN OUR HEAVENLY KINGDOM.