Granville Wilson Heckard,  Never met a stranger and would light up a room just by entering. His humorous charm and wisdom was contagiously loved by all who encountered him.

“Baby”, a name given to him by his primary caregivers, Vinnie and George Heckard, was born November 5,1942 in Extension, Louisiana to the union of Georgia and Amos Heckard, Sr. Growing up in a rural town “Granfus” was a true country boy. Between classes in the Fort Necessity school system he could be found working in the cotton fields or planting or harvesting on the farm, to help support his family. This talent and passion for gardening continued with his yard of mustards and collard greens, and his other assorted vegetables. Whatever he planted, it grew in abundance and he proudly shared with his neighbors and friends.

The greatest gift our parents ever gave us was each other - Unknown

“Big Brother” was the protector and eldest of his siblings: Archie, Troy Ray, Esau (Pete), Amos, Jr, Georgia Ann, Eliza, Dorothy, Sandra, and Brenda. He loved and had a special bond with each of them.

…”that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” Romans 10:9

Granville was baptized at an early age at Locust Hill Baptist Church in Extension, Louisiana by the late Reverend I.T.E. Stewart on the same day as his father, Amos, Sr. His Christian service continued at Donaldson Chapel Baptist Church, under the Pastorship of the late Reverend Freddie Williams. He was ordained as a Deacon by the late Reverend Charles T. Smith. He served as an usher, Sunday School teacher, and advisor during church upgrades. He was senior deacon emeritus until his transition, under the leadership of Reverend Tommie N. Gipson, Jr. He loved his church and church family. On Wednesday night he would begin planning his outfits to get the look just right for Sunday morning to stand on the parking lot and greet members with a warm smile and have conversations with his fellow deacons. His style and flair prompted him to be affectionately labeled by the Pastor, the “Debonair Deacon”.

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” John 9:4

He relocated to Baton Rouge in January,1966 and worked in several industries, and finished his career as a contractor at JE Merit/Dow Chemical having worked there for over 40 years. Granville was beloved by all he encountered and was affectionately known by many as “Mr. Heck”, “Hector”, and because of his wealth of knowledge and wisdom, “Dr. Heck”. After retiring he could be found under the patio, scrolling Facebook, on the telephone talking and telling jokes to his many friends and relatives, watching his great-grandkids play, or in his garden.

“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Mark 10:9

Pretty, skinny, with long black hair, walking on the railroad track in her hometown of Wisner, Louisiana, he met Miss Alberta Cuff – who captured his eyes and heart – and they were united in Holy Matrimony on December 26, 1965. They were inseparable and enjoyed going to church together and reading the Bible, watching their favorite news channels, cooking together, countless hours talking under the patio, spending time and drinking coffee with their daughter and friends, discussing their grandchildren’s activities, and old times. On their 57th wedding anniversary, his lasting and last words of love to her were “We still together and we gonna stay together, baby.”

“I may have outgrown his lap, but I never outgrew “My Daddy’s heart.” Tangernika Renée, his “Baby”, the only child born of this union, brought him delight and multiplied his blessings with her children, who lovingly called him “FaFa”, Tameka, Kenneth, Jr., and Christopher Pitts. He was most delighted when he was spending time with his great-grand twins Christian and Khristyn, whom he called “Red” and “Sissy” - they were the apples of his eyes.

“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” 1 Corinthians 15:53  At 1 PM, on December 27, 2022, surrounded by his wife, daughter, and granddaughter, Granville Wilson Heckard, received his eternal healing from the Great Physician. He was welcomed into his eternal life by his parents Georgia and Amos, Sr., grandparents, Vinnie and George, siblings Esau “Pete”, Troy Ray, and Eliza Heckard, Ollie Hudson, and Elijah Edwards, his favorite cousin/brother-in-law, Levi Heckard, and a special niece, Jacqueline Heckard. He leaves to cherish his memory and honor his legacy, his wife, Alberta, daughter Renée (Kenneth Pitts, Sr.), grandchildren Tameka Smith (Kevin), Kenneth, Jr., and Christopher Pitts; great-grandchildren, Christian and Khristyn Smith, siblings Archie (Elizabeth), Reverend Amos, Jr. (Nancie), Georgia Sims (Donald), Sandra Tolliver, Dorothy Bullock (Curtis), and Brenda Heckard, sister-in-law Rosie Heckard, godchildren Albert Butler, Jr., and LaTosha Johnson; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2022, 9am until Celebration of Life at 11am. Services will be held at Donaldson Chapel Baptist Church 2501 Gracie St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Reverend Tommie N. Gipson Jr., Pastor & Officiant. Final resting place Southern Memorial Gardens, 3012 Blount Rd. BatonRouge, La. 70807. Arrangements entrusted MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home, Denham Springs, La.