Obituary of Stephen Robert Heard

Stephen Robert Heard, 85, beloved husband of Jeannie Jennings Heard passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Aiken Regional Medical Center following a period of declining health. 

 

Mr. Heard was born on May 2, 1939, in Evansville, IN, a son of the late Robert Heard and Stella Fornal Heard-Pernell. He was a member of the 1957 Herrin, IL., High School State Championship Basketball Team. He was also co-captain of the football team. He accepted a basketball scholarship to Pan American University (now Univ. of Texas, RGV), where he scored over 1000 points in his basketball career. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, he entered the Air Force, serving in the Air Defense and Strategic Air Command as an electronics officer. Following his service in the Air Force, he joined Southwestern Bell/ATT where he held various positions in Texas, St. Louis, MO., and New Jersey during his 31-year career.

 

Steve retired to Aiken SC., enjoying the outdoors and sports, especially hiking in Hitchcock Woods with his dogs. He was an active member of the Aiken Driving Club for 10 years. He also enjoyed traveling from Aiken to Maine, St. Louis, Seattle and Florida, visiting friends and family, and the National Parks. 

 

Steve was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church and the Asbury Adult Sunday School class.

 

Surviving in addition to his wife of 46 years are three daughters, Julie (Craig) Buck, Joana (Stewart) Cooke & Vicki Maniatis (Ed); 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary Wallace (Findlay); a niece, Sarah Shannon; and a nephew, Ned Wallace (Sara). 

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to F.O.T.A.S, 333 Wire Road, Aiken, SC 29801 or to the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, 444 South Boundary Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801.

 

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 649-6234 has charge of arrangements. 

 

Online expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com.