Robert T. Heard

On July 23, 1947, a vicarious, energetic male child entered this world. Already in the family, John and Sara had welcomed two girls, which made the birth of a son very exciting. Being the youngest, and the only son, seemed to not only gain him quite a few more privileges than the girls, but he was equally spoiled by both his parents and older sisters.

As a child, he sang in the children’s choir at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and loved attending the evening youth services. He especially enjoyed the summer trips to his grandparents’ home in the country. Whenever there, he was free roaming the hills, meeting up with friends, and going on imaginary adventures in the woods.

He attended Western-Olin High, where many urged him to join the football team. His mother refused but allowed him to join the track team instead...and he excelled. Due to his talent, he broke many records in the 100-yd dash and anchored the relay team. Weekly, his face appeared on the pages of The Birmingham Times and trophies donned the mantle at home. This high school superstar had many friends, especially the ladies. His track accolades earned him a scholarship to Kentucky State University. However, his education tenure was interrupted, and he ended up in Vietnam. After his stint in the military, he worked to find a resemblance of balance post war. Shortly after his return, he decided to move to Huntsville, AL and joined Frist Seventh-day Adventist Church. As a member, he worked with the Senior Ministry, Vacation Bible School, and the Community Service Ministry.

He later began working as a house parent for the Harris Home for Children and shared his passion for athletics, serving as a coach for many sports, including his beloved track. During this time, he served as a mentor and helped guide a multitude of youth. In later years, he served as a Community Service Volunteer for First SDA Food Program and Huntsville Hospital.

In 1979, he met and married A. Renee Leslie. To this union, four children were created, and memories shared. Despite their marriage coming to an end, the friendship and family connection remained. One of Robert’s greatest joys was being a father, and he wore this hat proudly.

As luck would have it, Robert was granted another chance at love. In 2005, he married Sharon Diane Stewart. Their union not only brought about a fresh romance, but sweet, sacred moments shared between husband and wife. Throughout their near 19 years of marriage, Sharon and Robert experienced many adventures, laughs, and stubbornness wrapped in love, that not even sickness nor death could diminish.

Robert T. Heard, Sr. impacted numerous lives, built bonds to last many lifetimes, and his legacy will forever continue. Whether the life of the party or the calm, cool introvert, Robert was loved and will be missed by many. Preceding him in death are his parents, John Thomas Heard and Sara West, and his sister, Joyce Heard Collins.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Sharon Diane Stewart-Heard; three daughters, Renoka Heard Butler (Larry), Rashida Joyce Sigmond, and Rachelle Heard- Hixon (Christopher); one son, Robert Thomas Heard II; one special nephew and bonus son, Roosevelt Collins (Sharon); twelve grandchildren, Raven, Darren, Regime, Adrian, Renia, Javon, Caleb, Lenox, Onyx, Cason, Christian, and Cameron; six great-grandchildren; one extraordinary and loving sister, Johnnie Sullivan-Bailey ( John); mother-in-law, Wilma Waddle, father-in-law and close friend, Josh Waddle; four sister-in-law, Sophia Erskine, Lisa Fletcher (Patrick), Bridgett McCloud, and Michelle Stewart; brother- in-law George Adams III (Sonya); brother- in-love, Leevon Leslie and a host of other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life Committal Service will be held at 12:00 P.M., Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the graveside in the Oakwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery (1 H.L. Cleveland Way, Huntsville, Alabama 35806) with Pastor Benjamin Jones, President, South Central SDA Conference officiating.