Willie Elkin Heard

Willie Elkin Heard, Jr. was born on January 12, 1934 to the parents of Elkin and Lue Ella Heard in Camp Hill, Alabama. He departed this life on April 27, 2022 at his residence in El Paso, Texas.

After graduating from Tallapoosa County Training School in Camp Hill, he was drafted into the United States Army. He received an honorable discharge from the Army after two years of service. He later decided to enlist into the United States Navy.  While in the Navy, he had tours in Spain, Italy, Greece, France, and South Africa. He was honorably discharged from the Navy after serving four years.

Mr. Heard reenlisted into the United States Army with tours in Vietnam and Germany. While stationed in Munich, Germany he met and married the love of his life, Helga Maria Schreiber Heard, on July 13, 1966. During his military career, he received several awards and commendations. In 1978 he honorably retired from the military at the rank of Sergeant First Class.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 47 years; siblings Marie Woody, Miriam Clay, Houston Heard, McDonald Heard, Richard Heard, and Virginia Burton; and nephews Michael Heard, Donald Woody, and John V. Burton. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy (Clinton) Crawford of Hepzibah, Georgia; a devoted nephew and caregiver, Reginald (Michelle) Heard of Hampton, Georgia; nieces – Sharon Heard, Vicky Renae Thomas, Dr. Chinita Hinton, Bonita Adams, Gloria Dowdell, Debra Fitten, and Tracy Clay; nephews – Carlton Woody, Winfred Woody, McDonald Heard, Jr., Melvin Heard, and Darrington Heard; a special friend – Mr. Thomas; and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will be from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday, May 04, 2022 at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Drive.  Committal Service will begin at 9:30am at Fort Bliss National Cemetery (East Shelter).  Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.  Please visit his online memorial at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.