William Arnell Heard

Mr. Heard, the first child of Robert and Lena Harper Heard, was born on June 30, 1934, in Decatur, Georgia. He was the first of two children and was a loving brother to his baby sister, Mrs. Sylvia Kemp Clark. William accepted Christ as a child and spent his youth as a member of Antioch A.M.E. Church in Decatur.

He graduated from Trinity High School, where he was active in both sports and the choir. Known for his beautiful tenor voice, William was selected to sing “Seek Ye the Lord” at his high school graduation. After graduation, William spent a formative summer in Simsbury, Connecticut, working at the Meadowood tobacco farm—an experience he shared alongside a young Martin Luther King Jr. Upon returning to Decatur, William enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at James Connally Air Force Base in Waco, Texas, where he proudly served for ten years. Following his military service, William settled in Dallas and made Texas his forever home. He received an Associate of Arts from Dallas College–El Centro in photography. He went on to become the official photographer for Bishop College before opening his own successful company, Bossflick Photography. His work, capturing community life, clergy, celebrities, and countless everyday moments, along with his paintings, can still be seen throughout the DFW area.

For more than 50 years, William was a beloved resident of Oak Cliff. During his early years on Galloway Avenue, he was deeply active in his neighborhood, organizing summer activities for local children in partnership with the City of Dallas. Neighbors remember his immaculate landscaping (particularly his morning glory flowers), his commitment to keeping the block clean, and his volunteer security patrols—all reflections of his pride in his community.

William’s life journey included marriages to Hazel Jean Wilkerson Henderson Heard, Vivian Heard Moore, Linda (Brown) Allen, and Evelyn Heard. He is survived by his beloved sister Sylvia, his children: Glo, Kelly, and Robert (Karen); his grandchildren: Kameshia, Kristen, Robert (Carla), Martin (Chakeria), Ryan, Collin, Vivian, and Katlyn Michelle; his great-grandchildren: Nickalen, Kayla, Reyna, Reagan, Martin, and Conner; his nieces: Amanda (Tony) and Angela (Michael); along with many cherished friends and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Hazel; his wife Linda; his son Billy; and his niece Lynn. He served faithfully at Smith Chapel A.M.E., where he was a member and Sunday School teacher. In his later years, he was active with the Silver Stars at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and a frequent worship visitor at Destiny Bible Church in Fort Worth. He leaves behind a legacy of creativity, service, laughter, and deep devotion to his family, friends, and community. To honor his memory, the family invites donations to Paul Quinn College.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Destiny Church, located at 3508 Blue Springs Drive, Fort Worth, Texas, on November 25, 2025, starting at 2:00 pm.