Render Jackson "Jay" Heard, Jr.

Render Jackson “Jay” Heard Jr., a proud veteran of the Marine Corps, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2023, at his home in Toccoa, GA. He was being loved and cared for by his niece, Darlan Goodman, his great-niece, Alexandra Goodman, and his friend and companion, Della Cannon.

Born in Griffin, Georgia, he was the son of the late Render Jackson Heard Sr. of Toccoa, Georgia and Nelma Garland Heard of Fort Worth, TX. He attended the University of Alabama as an art major.

At the age of 20, Render Jackson Heard Jr. enlisted in the Marines, served for four years, and attained the rank of Sergeant. He valued his time in the service and was honored to be a part of the Marine Corps and a Vietnam veteran.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He was an avid bowler and a die-hard Alabama football fan. He will be remembered for his musical and artistic talents, his crude and sarcastic sense of humor, and his love for anything sweet and chocolate. Jay had an amazing heart and would give you the shirt off his back. He loved his children and grandchildren fiercely. He made amends with his sister after 24 years and they became best friends again. He spent the last several years of his life living with his niece, Darlan Goodman, and her family, Bronson, Alex, and Jaxson. They went on numerous adventures and trips together. Jay even got to try out jet skiing and he loved the speed and excitement.

Render Jackson Heard Jr. is survived by his daughter, Christian Heard Shirley and husband Tyler Shirley, daughter, Elizabeth Victoria Heard (Robert Mendoza), and her children, Levi and Victoria. daughter, Angela Sheree Horton and husband Eric Horton, and their children, Aiden and Kaleb; son, Robert Jackson Heard, and his children, Rayden, Rari, and Brylee; his niece Darlan Goodman, and her children, Bronson Ivester and Alexandra Goodman; his great-nephew, Jaxson Hammond; sister, Ann Taylor; and his nephew, Cameron Goolsby.

A special thank you to all the wonderful ladies at M & J’s restaurant. Their kindness, friendship, jokes, and love toward Jay will be forever treasured. We would like to thank Compassus Hospice for their kindness and care, especially Candace and Kelly.

A memorial service honoring Jay will be held Friday, October 6, 2023, 11 o’clock a.m. in the Hillcrest Chapel of Acree Davis Funeral Home with The Reverend Titus Moss officiating.  Military honors by the V.F.W. Post 4346 Honor Guard.

Jay’s final words to his family and friends would be….I LOVE YOU and

ROLL TIDE ROLL           SEMPER FI MARINE

Acree-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Render Jackson “Jay” Heard, Jr.