Randolph C. Heard

Randolph C. Heard

Randolph C. Heard, Colonel USAF (retired), flew West on November 6th as he departed this earth on his last mission. Three of his children were by his side when he passed over.

Randy Heard was born on April 9, 1923 in Danville, Virginia, one of five children born to William C. and Estelle L. Heard. He graduated in 1941 from George Washington High School and attended

Virginia Tech for one year. In 1942 he was granted an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was a baseball pitcher at the Academy and he maintained a keen interest in the game all of his life. Randy graduated in 1945 with pilot wings and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. Dad's twenty eight years in the Air Corps (later U.S. Air Force) were challenging, fearful, joyous, and immensely rewarding. During those years he got to fly both propeller-driven and jet fighters, and distinguished himself in combat as a P-51 Mustang fighter pilot in the Korean war On one instance he force landed his Mustang aircraft in an emergency landing after having a mortar shell blow through a wing. On his 40th mission, his plane was shot down and he parachuted to the ground with a broken leg in an apple orchard - he drew his Colt 45 and waited until an Army Sergeant and two South Korean soldiers came to his rescue and successfully transported him on a stretcher to safety. Randy later instructed cadets at both West Point and Virginia Tech, obtained a Masters Degree at Purdue University and served as a base commander in his final assignment. He served at many installations in the U.S. and had several assignments overseas, including Japan, Philippines, Korea, France, U.K. and Thailand (during the Viet Nam war).

As a member of the Long Gray Line, his values were instilled with the credo of West Point: "Honor, Duty, Country." These words exemplified his life as a true officer and a gentleman.

Colonel Randolph Heard was a highly decorated officer and the recipient of the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, three air medals and numerous campaign and service awards.

Randy met his wife, Lieutenant Rosemarie Chisholm, and Air Force Nurse, at Eglin AFB, Florida in 1948. They married in 1950 and had four children.

Upon his retirement in 1973, Randy and Rosemarie moved back to Virginia, living in Danville for a short time before finally settling in Roanoke. They traveled extensively and enjoyed growing roots in one place for the very first time in their marriage. Dad was active in veteran's organizations and retired military associations. He was a member of the Order of Daedalians. He was a Big Band aficionado with a large, extensive record collection and a wealth of knowledge about the Swing Era. One of dad's fondest memories was seeing his favorite band, Glenn Miller and his Orchestra, play at the Glen Island Casino in 1939.

He was a wonderful family man, a loving, supportive, and dedicated father, adored by his children and he will be sorely missed by them.

He was predeceased by his wife Rosemarie, his parents, brother William C. Heard Jr., and sister Marian L. Heard. His four children survive him: Charles R. Heard and wife Sherry of Dallas, Texas, Stephen A. Heard of Sarasota, Florida, Carolyn M. Heard of Lugano, Switzerland and Diane L. Heard of Roanoke. Also surviving are his brother Richard L. Heard of Arlington, Texas brother John D. Heard and wife Pat of Rockwall, Texas, five nephews and two nieces, and several great nephews and nieces.

All is well...Safely Rest...God is Nigh.

The family will receive friends 5 to 7 PM Monday at Oakey's South Chapel and at St. John's Episcopal Church immediately following the service. Service will be 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 10th at St. John's.

Interment will follow at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Sign the guest book at www.GoDanRiver.com