John "Johnny" Henry Heard

Longtime Noxubee County Supervisor and cattle and row-crop farmer John Henry “Johnny” Heard, Sr., of Brooksville, Miss., died July 15, 2020, in Macon. Johnny was 92 years old. He leaves behind a life of devotion to his family, community and Mississippi State Bulldog baseball.

A private graveside was held Friday, July 17, 2020 at Brooksville Cemetery in Brooksville, MS with Rev. Jay Spiller officiating.  Memorials may be made to Brooksville Baptist Church, P. O. Box 52, Brooksville, MS 39739 or Brooksville Cemetery, 586 Hines Rd, Brooksville MS  39739. Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to entrusted with arrangements.

Johnny was born to George Thomas Heard, Sr. and Ruby Boykin Heard on January 3, 1928, in the family home outside of Brooksville.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth “Sis” Krueger, and his three brothers: George Heard, Jr., Jimmy Heard, and Sam “Tiny” Heard Sr., and son-in-law, Don Garner.

Johnny was a humble, generous, and sincere man who had friends far and wide, but his greatest love was his family. In 1947, Johnny married the love of his life, Peggy Hoffman Heard, who survives him, and they were blessed with four children: Linda, John Henry “Buzzy”, Jr., (Deborah), Dana (Mike), and Scott. Along with his wife and children, he is also survived by a sister-in-law, a brother-in-law, 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

With familial roots in the Lynn Creek community, Johnny grew up on the family farm. When he was 10 years old, his father passed away suddenly, but Ruby and the family continued with the farm, and when the two older brothers went off to war, Johnny and his younger brother, Tiny, continued the farming operation. Up until the end of his life, he was active in his cow-calf operation, spending much of his time working, feeding, and checking his cattle.

In addition to his farming pursuits, Johnny was Noxubee County District 5 County Supervisor for over 20 years, serving some of that time as President of the Board of Supervisors. Johnny also served on various other agricultural boards and was a member of Brooksville Baptist Church.

Known for his strong work ethic, it is not surprising that most of his hobbies revolved around work. Until a couple of years ago, Johnny enjoyed working his team of mules, and was frequently seen driving them down county roads (including appearances in the Macon Christmas parade). He had his mules shod in the Amish community in Randolph, Miss., and was well-known there, and would sometimes bring candy to the Amish children.

His one indulgence, however, was Mississippi State Baseball. He looked forward to Opening Day in the spring and had high hopes for his Diamond Dawgs every year. He had the opportunity to see them appear in person eight times at the College World Series in Omaha. An avid reader, if he was watching his Dawgs or other sports on television, he also often had a Louis L’Amour Western in his hand. He was, without a doubt, their biggest fan.