With highest honor, utmost love and deepest respect, the children and grandchildren of Douglas McArthur Heard, 81, a native and life-long resident of our beloved East Roanoke Community, are compelled to share the distressing news of the passing from this life of our father, whom many of us fondly referred to as "Mack".  "Mack" was a long-time resident of 334 Johnson Street.  He transitioned from this life on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Anniston.  Because our hearts are so deeply broken, we solicit the prayers of everyone in our community as we prepare to say farewell.

The Life and Legacy of Douglas McArthur "Mack" Heard

FROM 1942, until just a few days ago, Douglas McArthur "Mack" Heard was a BUSY MAN!

Douglas McArthur "Mack" Heard was born in Roanoke, Alabama, on October 30, 1942 to the parentage of the late Joseph Milton Heard, and Lelia Mae (Smith) Heard.   His family of origin included deceased siblings: Joseph Heard, Jr., Frank Blake Heard, and Francis Heard Smith.  

Mack could be considered one of the greatest "homeboys" of our time.  He was a permanent fixture of Roanoke/Randolph County — a great, down-to-earth kind of guy who knew everybody and whom practically everybody knew.

His early life was marked by standards set for decades — elementary education and high school graduation from Randolph County Training School (R.C.T.S.), and religious education and teaching at First Baptist Church on Riley Street where he remained firmly planted until summoned home.

Upon graduation from Randolph County training school with the Class of 1961, he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces, where he remained in service until he earned the rank of E-8 Master Sergeant; rendering respectful service to our grateful nation.   

On July, 25, 1977 he enlisted in the Military in Montgomery, Alabama.  He was later assigned to serve with the USAR Control Group, in St. Louis, Missouri.

During his Military enlistment, Mack was a highly decorated soldier.   During his first two years of service, Mack's title was Infantryman.   However later, his primary specialty became Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor.   This is a position he manned for 15 years, three months.   His Military Decorations included:   The Bronze  Star Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Good Conduct Medal (5th Award) National Defense Service Medal.  

While enlisted, Mack was also honored for his service in the Republic of Vietnam, for which he received the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge with Palm; and Republic Of Vietnam Campaign Medal; 4 Overseas Service Bars; Driver and Mechanic Badge; Mechanical Expert Qualification Badge.  The Mechanical knowledge he gained while in the Military, followed him throughout his life, and would eventually afford him his last paid civilian employment position with the Randolph County Board Of Education.

While enlisted, he made the best of the opportunities Military service afforded him.  After his discharge from the United States Army, he seized the opportunity to enroll in The Opelika State Technical College, where he turned his attention to mastering the art of automobile body repair.   He earned his diploma, from that institution on March 1, 1985.

From 1992 to 2015, he accepted employment with the Randolph County Board of Education, where he served as a school bus mechanic, and was later elevated to the position of Transportation Supervisor.   After serving 23 years, as an employee of the Randolph County Board for Education, he took a much-deserved retirement.   Desiring a change of scenery, Mack relocated to Newnan, GA, where he resided for 11 years.   Yet, as the poet said: "Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.  So, after a while, all roads led back home.

Mack was blessed to be the father of six (6) wonderful children: two (2) of whom preceded him in death:  Arneta Heard and  Deiatra Heard Phillips.  His surviving children — now equally blessed by beautiful and vivid memories of their lives spent with him include Michelle Haynes (Tommy), and Michael Kilpatrick of Roanoke; Darron Owensby of Atlanta; and Kim Weaver of Douglasville, GA; eight (8) grandchildren; ten (10) great-grandchildren and five (5) great-great-grandchildren.  Also among the special people in his life who blessed Mack through their friendship and kindness are Mrs. Annie Lee Hill and children of Roanoke.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas McArthur (Mack) Heard, please visit our floral store.