March 20, 1941—July 15, 2024

NATCHEZ – A Celebration of Life for Franklin Coffee (Frank) Heard, Jr., 83, who died on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at New Covenant Presbyterian Church.

The Rev. John Franklin will officiate and visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until service time.

A private graveside service for the family will be held at the Natchez City Cemetery at 9:45 a.m. under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Frank was born on March 20, 1941, in Natchez, MS the first son of Franklin Coffee Heard, Sr. and Beth Nichols Heard.

He grew up in the Duncan Park neighborhood of Natchez, graduated from Natchez High School in 1959, and attended Mississippi State University where he proudly played the trumpet in the Famous Maroon Band. He also served his country in the Air National Guard.

Upon graduation from MSU, Frank returned to Natchez to join his father in the family business, Heard Music Company.  For 45 years individuals from area schools, churches, choirs, bands, and music studios passed through the doors of Heard Music Company for music scores, pianos, band instruments, guitar lessons, and all things music.

In 1966 Frank married Linda Clinton who had moved to Natchez to teach choral music at Natchez Adams High School.  Frank was a lifelong Presbyterian and served as a Ruling Elder for 50 years. He taught Sunday School and was a charter member and Ruling Elder of New Covenant Presbyterian Church. He became Elder Emeritus in 2021.

He was an avid golfer and spent many happy days golfing with a loyal group of friends. For over 50 years he was an active member of the Rotary Club of Natchez as well as a Paul Harris Fellow.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Nichols Heard, and infant sister, Elizabeth Milling Heard.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Linda Clinton Heard; sons, Bill Heard (Leigh Anne) and Clinton Heard (Jennifer); daughter, Elizabeth Heard Suttle (Tommy); grandchildren, Jacob, Sarah Beth, Drew, Meredith and Elisa Suttle, Nathan, Emmy, Clara, Cole, Hayden, Harrison, and Carter Heard; sister-in-law, Judy Wentworth Heard; nephews, David Heard and Chris Heard, and niece, Sarah Heard Stowers.

Pallbearers will be Richard Griffing, Jacob Suttle, Drew Suttle, Nathan Heard, Cole Heard, and Hayden Heard.

Honorary pallbearers will be Harrison Heard, Carter Heard, Joseph Byrne, and Sterling Dossett.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 130 Homochitto Street, Natchez, MS  39120, or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.