Obituary of Gregory Paul Heard

Memorial services for Gregory Paul Heard, age 66, of Roanoke will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with Bro. Ricky Cummings and Bro. Tim Whaley officiating. 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, October 18, 2024.

Paul slid sideways through the Pearly Gates on October 6, 2024.  No one would be surprised to find out that he hit those streets of gold speeding and in the left lane…once again!

He is survived by “the apple of his eye,” his daughter, Heather (Chris) of Roanoke; five grandchildren, Haydenn, Ethan (Avah), and Krymson, all of Roanoke, and Clayton and Chase of Valley; three great-grandchildren, Aria, Colson, and Dylan, all of Roanoke; his wonderful loving mother, Jean Heard of Roanoke; three brothers, Jimmy Heard (Connie) of Huntsville, Dennis Heard of Ft. Morgan, AL, and David Heard of Roanoke; one sister, Ann Marie Pruitt (John) of Wadley; a sister-in-law, Gail Heard of Roanoke; a host of nieces and nephews; and an entire school of four foot long goldfish that he was extremely proud of.  He is also survived by a “bonus daughter” Crystal Atkinson (Jarvis) of Wadley and their children, that he took claim to many years ago.  He is preceded in death by his father, Eliot Heard; infant son, Michael Christopher Heard; brother, Harold Heard; and nephew, Michael Mitchell.

Paul was born on June 11, 1958, at Lanier Memorial Hospital in Valley to Jean and Eliot Heard, came home to Roanoke where he lived most of his life.  He was raised on the family farm in Broughton, which fostered his work ethic.  Paul began driving the school bus at 16 years old, transporting his siblings and many friends to and from school while still a student himself.  This apparently nurtured his love for driving, as he spent the great majority of his adult life as an over-the-road trucker, with the final several years being at Vaughn Trucking of LaGrange. 

While Paul managed to drive more miles than he should in a week, he still managed to make plenty of time for his family.  After his grandkids came along and gave him the nickname “Poppy,” he began to be affectionately known as “Poppy” to the many friends they brought around.  He loved having guests come to his rock quarry and sharing his joy in that place with others.  Poppy could make friends anywhere he went, because as we all know, he would talk until they had no choice but to be friends. 

Paul was known to live like he was barely getting by, rarely spending money on himself, then spoiling his daughter and grandkids as if money was no problem.

Paul’s antics that began at an early age and lasted until his last breath contributed to gray hairs in both his mother and daughter, making him possibly the only person to contribute to his own hair loss!  His outgoing personality, talkative nature, and big heart made him a person that no one could resist being friends with.  He didn’t know an enemy.  He was known for remaining friends with people regardless of how their relationship changed. You weren’t getting rid of Paul Heard.

Paul enjoyed mission trips to help build churches and spread the Word of God.

Paul would certainly give Heather a lesson on finances to know that none of his memorial came from the dollar store, nor were coupons used.  But he would be glad to know that Quattlebaum is in charge of the arrangements and taking good care of her.

Memorials may be floral or donations may be made to one of the following three places: The Gideons, LaGrange Troup Humane Society in memory of Paul Heard (Basil’s Poppy), or a Baptist church building mission of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.quattlebaumfuneralhome.com.