Albert Lewis Heard (Age 94) of Welcome, Maryland.

Albert Lewis Heard, son of the late John Louis and Helen Dodson Heard, departed this life on Friday, June 21, 2019 at the age of 94. Born August 30, 1924 in Hilltop, MD, Albert, fondly known as "Bigman" was the third eldest of nine siblings.

Bigman was educated in the Charles County School system. Leaving school to work on the farm, Bigman held several jobs at a young age including farm work for the Greer's for 50 cents a day; working from sun up to sun down. Farming seemed second nature to him raising corn, tobacco and of course a full vegetable garden. He also raised farm animals including, chickens, pigs and cows. After a short time in the service, Bigman worked his farm and began his employment with the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). During this time, he managed to save and purchased McConchie Store, which he managed in the 1970s. His was the only black owned store in the area, selling deli meats, canned goods as well as spirits and gas. He also hosted weekend dances at the store which became very popular with the locals and those afar as they stopped by to dance, play pool or buy a cold drink.

In addition to his employment at the WSSC, he also pasteurized and delivered milk as well as performed odd jobs at Mr. Camp's farm. He farmed and sold vegetables as well as tobacco. He also found time to fish, hunt with his dogs and win local Turkey Shoots!! In his leisure time, he enjoyed playing cards (especially pitch) and spending time with family. He was a funny guy, although quiet and stern. He was famous for renaming his grand and great grand-children with nicknames. Some of his favorite sayings were "that dude", "that bird", "hey shamrock" and many others.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 22 years, Annie and his children, Alvin "Ball" (Mary Ann), Elroy (Leatrice), Marvin, (Cora Lee), Connie (Stanley), Chandra "Chaney" (Harry), Calvin, Carolyn (Charles), Rex "Keypie", Sylvia "Anita", Dorothy "Suzanne", Julian "JC", Wayne "Lud"(Bea), Allison, Tracy and (2) step children, Jerome (Arina) and Michael (Leonie). He will also be missed by Raymond Johnson and Gary Hawkins who were as sons to him. He also leaves 40 grandchildren and a "heard" of great and great-great grandchildren totaling over 70; sisters, Mildred McKinney and Dorrie Wiggins, as well as a host of nephews, nieces and special friends Milton Montgomery and Bobbie Key.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three children Albert "Ricky", Cynthia "Cindy" and Gregory "Jumbo" brothers, Arthur "Mouse", Lemuel "Red" and Morris "Sonny"; sisters Cora Savoy Muschette "Sis", Hester Hagens and Helen Lancaster.

His Viewing will be, 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm, Wednesday, June 26, 2019 and Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 8:30 am until 9:30 am, in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland.  Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am until 11:00 am, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4590 St. Josephs Way, Pomfret, Maryland 20675.

Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery, 7865 Port Tobacco Road, Port Tobacco, Maryland 20677.