Herman Lee Heard

Mr. Herman Lee Heard was born on October 16, 1942, in Elberton, GA, son of the late Hodges Lee Heard and Martha Fortson Heard. He departed this earthly life on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Elbert Memorial Hospital at the age of 81.

Mr. Heard joined the Downer Grove United Methodist Church, that is now called Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, at an early age. He was employed as a stone polisher in the granite industry and retired in 2016. He led a quiet life at home with his family in his later years. 

Mr. Heard was married to the late Clara Bell Rucker on October 7, 1966, and to this union two children, Randy Lee and Karen Lynette, were born. He leaves to cherish his memories his son, Randy (Christina) Heard of Columbia, SC; daughter, Karen (Carey) Bone of Statham, GA; nephew raised in the home, Clarence (Linda) Pegues; siblings: Catherine (Harold) Hollis, Edna (Danny) Allen, Nikki Quinn, Steve Heard, Ira Heard, and Hodges Heard, Jr.; brother-in-law, Dr. Gregory (Janice) Rucker; and sisters-in-law, Rev. Dale Sanders and Linda Fortson. His grandchildren include the late Timothy Heard, Chelsea Heard, Jadien Heard, Sierra Heard, Darius (Keon) Ardister, and Carey Bone, Jr.; and his great-grandchildren: Karter Ardister, Kehlani Daniels, and Nore Daniels. They all gave him the nickname “Heard” and “Papa Pete.” He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Mr. Heard will lie in state on Friday, May 31, from 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home. 

Funeral services celebrating Mr. Heard’s life will be conducted on Saturday, June 1, at 11:00a.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home. Burial will be in Lincoln Heights Cemetery.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 41 Perimeter Center E #550, Atlanta, GA 30346. 

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com. 

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Herman Lee Heard.