Obituary of Lawery O'Neal Heard

Funeral services for Lawery O’neal Heard, 68, of Wedowee will be held on Friday, March 25, 2016, at 12:00 PM from Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Thomas Knight officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery with Benefield Funeral Home of Wedowee in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, March 24, 2016. Mr. Heard will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to services beginning on Friday. Mr. Heard departed this life Saturday, March 19 at 7:35 PM at Regional Medical Center, Anniston, Alabama. On July 26, 1968, he married Mary Robertson and to this union three children were born. He leaves to cherish his memories one son, Alvin C. Heard (Vicky) of Wedowee; a daughter, Denise Twyman (Willie) of Anniston; seven grandchildren, Jarred Heard, Nia Twyman, Eric Heard, Montoreous Heard, A.J. Heard, Cedric Twyman, and Jasmyn Heard; one brother, Jasper Heard (Ida) of Wedowee; a special sister-in-law and caregiver, Ruby Knight of Wedowee; special friend, Rebecca Angel; a special nephew and niece, Marcus Knight and Justice Knight; a special cousin, Gail Finch; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pallbearers will be American Legion Post # Mr. Heard was born on April, 21, 1947, to the late Clayton Pierce Heard and Nellie Mae Birdsong in Randolph County, Alabama. He joined the U.S. Army on September 9, 1966, where he served and received an honorable discharge August 20, 1969. He received a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. Mr. Heard joined the Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church at an early age and served faithfully until his death. He served as a Deacon of the Beulah Association, treasurer and clerk for many years. He loved his church family and his family deeply. Mr. Heard was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Heard; one son, Alton Heard; a sister, Barbara Marable; and one brother, James Heard.