On Monday, October 25, 2021, Ira (Doc) Heard III our husband, father, grandfather, brother and son was called home to be with the Lord.

Born on July 23, 1961, in Elberton, Georgia to the late Ira (Dick) Heard and the late Ella Mae Harper Heard. He was predeceased by his brother Herman Lee Heard.

Ira was a graduate of Elbert County High School where he was a star basketball player which was documented in the local newspapers. After completing high school, he joined the Air Force. After a couple of years, he left the Air Force and returned home to help his dad take care of his siblings after the passing of their mother. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Somerset University. He was employed by Norfolk Southern, has held various Ship Building positions in the shipyards in the Hampton Roads area but his heart was in being a Realtor Consultant.

He was a praying man, spreading the gospel with everyone, lover of sports, a grillmaster and truly enjoyed having thought provoking discussions with all who would engage in conversation. He never called anyone by their given name; everyone had a nickname. He was a father first then a husband. He was very loving to his siblings, children, grandchildren and wife of 30 years.

He was a generous man, who would give you the shirt off his back. He loved spoiling his grandchildren with an open heart, wallet and food. They affectionately called him "Poppy". He loved teasing the boys and hugging the girls. He wanted them to learn the art of Martial Arts because this was something else he truly enjoyed. They held a very special place in his heart.

Ira (Doc) Heard III leaves to cherish his loving memory, his wife DeRue Heard, his three sons, Ira Heard, IV of Richmond, VA, DeJuan Lewis (Lamika) of Virginia Beach, VA, James Perkerson (Emily) of Virginia Beach, VA, two daughters, Shameka Ardila (Aurelio) of Virginia Beach, VA, Shaundrica Hudgins (James) of Virginia Beach, VA, his sister, Laura Heard Lucas (Tyrone) of Sugar Hill, GA, his brother, Johnny Frank Heard (Yvonne Teasley) of Anderson, SC, his mother-in-law, Joyce Mason of Chesapeake, VA. Four grandsons, Armon Ardila, LaRon Walton, DeJuan Lewis, Mekhi Lewis and five granddaughters, Kayla Walton, Quiana Griffin, Ryan Perkerson, Skylar Perkerson and Amaya Perkerson. Three nephews and two nieces, brother-in-law, Donald Lewis (Annette) and a host of extended family and friends.

A funeral service will held 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake, where viewing will be held from 5pm until 7pm on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

You may join the service lifestream at: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/5295387938