James Robert “Rob” Heard, Jr., 63, of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, passed away February 7, 2026.
Rob was born December 22, 1962, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to Bob and Shirley Heard. He was a lifelong member of the community and was well known for his friendly personality and dedication to family, friends, and customers.
Rob worked alongside his parents at Heard’s Market, where he became especially known for his exceptional sandwich-making abilities and his warm, welcoming nature. He took great pride in serving his community and building lasting relationships with those he met through the store.
Rob loved Jesus and was a faithful member of Gethsemane Baptist Church. His faith was an important part of his life and guided how he loved and cared for others.
Rob was an avid sports fan who especially loved cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, Arkansas Razorbacks, Green Bay Packers, and Buffalo Bills. He also loved music and rarely missed an opportunity to enjoy either. More than anything, he treasured time spent with his family, who were the center of his life.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Toni Heard of Walnut Ridge; twin sons, Brady (Allie) Heard and Drew (Madalyn) Heard, both of Walnut Ridge; his parents, Bob and Shirley Heard of Hoxie; his brother, Scott Heard of Oregon; his mother-in-law, Mary Sullinger of Okean; his brother-in-law, Stan Sullinger of Okean; and his beloved grandchildren, Beau, Emalee, and Lukas Manus of Walnut Ridge, along with many other cherished relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Neil and Grace Heard and Ray and Lucy Warner.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Gethsemane Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Gethsemane Baptist Church with Brother Derek Collins and Brother Skyler Guess officiating.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Dulaney, Dewayne Barker, Dominique Johnson, Jay Johnson, Randy Myers, and Tracy Moore.
Honorary pallbearers will be Beau Manus, Josh Herring, Chad Dalton, Kenny Wright, Robbie Allen, Jeff Yates, and all the farmers, farm hands, and customers Rob befriended over the years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family through an account at First Horizon Bank or through the family’s GoFundMe account.
Rob will be remembered for his kindness, his dedication to his family and community, and the joy he brought to those around him.
