Dr. John Lawrence Heard Jr.

John Lawrence Heard, Jr. M.D. died peacefully on September 18th, 2012.

He was born on September 8th, 1935 in Macon Mississippi to Lucille Cocke and John Lawrence, Sr. He attended both Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi and received his Medical Degree from the College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Memphis. After doing medical residency at Charity Hospital he was a radiologist in private practice with Drs. Schneider & Heard, Ltd. in The Medical Arts Building for 23 years before merging with Diagnostic Imaging Services where he practiced for a further 15 years, at one time serving as President of the New Orleans Radiological Society. He also did locum tenens work, including three years at Thibodeaux Regional Medical Center and served as an adjunct member of the faculty of Tulane University School of Medicine. In addition to his medical career he served as a Director of the Board of DJ Simmons Co., of Farmington New Mexico for over 20 years.

He was a member of the congregation and served on the Vestry at Trinity Episcopal Church.

He will be remembered for his quick wit and his passion for food and family.

He enjoyed spending time on Dauphin Island and in the mountains of North Carolina and sharing stories about his childhood years on the farm in Mississippi with friends and grandchildren. He was a connoisseur of food and wines who could recall full menus from great meals many years past. In addition to participation in the Physicians Wine Appreciation Society, some of his favorite trips included visits to vineyards in France and California. He also took great pleasure in being a part of the Men’s Opera Guild, New Orleans Lawn & Tennis Club and several clubs and Carnival organizations.

He is survived by Anne Ford, his wife of 51 years, and four sons: John Grayson (Sophie) of Oxford, England; Brent Lawrence of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Edward Ryan of New Orleans; Dru Patrick (Janig) of Falls Church, Virginia as well as five grandchildren, his sister, Betty Toney of Meridian, Mississippi and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1315 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans on Saturday, September 22nd, 2012 at 1:00 PM. Visitation will begin in the church at noon. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Trinity Counseling Center care of Trinity Episcopal Church, The National Alliance on Mental Illness-New Orleans, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at www.schoencanalstreet.com.

Publish with photo on Friday, September 21, 2012 & Saturday, September 22, 2012