Roland Shaefer Heard II age 77 of Athens GA passed away on April 13 after a brief illness. He was born on October 9, 1933 in Lanett AL and was the son of the late George Sidney Heard and Bernice Waller Heard. He was preceded in death by his brother George Waller Heard. He grew up in West Point GA, where he played many sports including his favorite, football. Following high school Roland attended Gordon Military Academy on a football scholarship and later transferred to Auburn University (API) graduating with a BS degree in Business Administration, Accounting in 1955. Upon his graduation, he took a job with Ernst and Ernst in Atlanta. He later took a job as an accountant with Kirk Telephone Co. in Moultrie, GA. He left Kirk Telephone and went to work for the Federal Government USDA as a field auditor in Moultrie GA in 1962. In 1973 he transferred to Athens GA in the same job capacity. He was promoted to Chief of REA in Washington DC in 1977 where he worked for 10 yrs. Mr. Heard retired from the Federal Government USDA after a 25 year career over field operations. He received his CPA certificate in 1983. After retirement, he worked in Bangladesh on a two year assignment consulting their government in developing the infrastructure for utilities (power, phone) to rural areas of Bangladesh. He then began his CPA practice and later moved back to Athens where he practiced his CPA until the time of his death. Roland was an active member of Milledge Avenue Baptist Church where he spent many Sundays singing in the choir up until his illness. Mr. Heard was involved in many activities in his life. He was a lifetime member of the Auburn Alumni association and was the past president of the greater Washington DC and Athens Ga. Auburn Alumni clubs. In addition, he was a Life Loyal Sigma Chi, member of Jennings Mill CC and at one time or another belonged to many organizations. He was an avid jogger for over 30 years and ran in numerous races including the popular Peachtree race in Atlanta, Ga. On his 70th birthday, he ran 7 miles. He also enjoyed golf, tennis and fishing. He was also Auburn Football's biggest fan, where he got a chance of a life time this past January when he took the trip to Arizona to watch Auburn win the National Championship.
Roland was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years Carolyn White Heard. Together they had three children daughter Lenore (Spence) Higgins, sons Shaefer (Cathy), Sidney (Laura). Granddaughters Sally Higgins Craig (Loman), Margaret Higgins Manis (Tyler), Cristin Heard, Callie Heard (Mason Sullivan), Jami Heard, and grandson Chase Heard. Great grandsons Avery Heard and Miller Higgins. He is also survived by his brother and sister in law, Marlin (Sarah) White. He has many nieces, nephews, and first cousins that were special to him. His wife Sandra W Heard of 8 years surviving him and her sons Stephen (Kathy) Wilkins, Michael (Elizabeth) Wilkins, and Chuck Wilkins and her five grandchildren.
Services will be held at Milledge Avenue Baptist Church on April 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 12:30-2:00 at the church. Burial will be on Tuesday April 19th in West Point GA at Pinewood Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.
Pallbearers include Jim Heard, Richard Heard. Charles White, Dr. Madison Gay, Wilber Gay, Earl Waller, and Carl Waller whom are nephews and cousins of Roland. In lieu of flowers a memorial to Milledge Avenue Baptist Church would honor him. 1690 S. Milledge Avenue Athens GA 30606.
Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.
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