Herman A. Heady

Herman Heady age 76 was born on April 23,1947 in Mounds, Illinois to the late L.C. Heady and May Helen Heady (Fields) the second of six children born to this union. 

Herman accepted Christ at the age of eleven and attended St John Baptist Church in Mounds, IL, under the leadership of Rev. John Reynolds. Early in 1963, his Church sent him and other members to Washington, D.C. to attend the March on Washington, where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous speech "I Have a Dream". Anyone who talked with Herman long enough would garner he was into political affairs. As a supporter of Rainbow PUSH, it was important to him that we promote peace and justice around the world. 

Herman attended Douglas Elementary and High School where he graduated in 1965. After High School he joined the Marine Corps., where he served four years during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. He received seven distinguished metals for his service: The National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Service Metal with three stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with silver palm, Meritorious unit citation and the Navy Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device. After finishing his tour of duty, Herman served in the National Reserves for five years. After Service, Herman continued his education at Thornton (South Suburban) Community College where he obtained an Associate Degree in Business Administration. 

Herman began his career working at the Illinois Central Railroad as a bookkeeper and he had a long-standing career with Greyhound Bus Service where he spent 25 years transporting thousands of passengers across the nation. His love for driving and passion to help others extended after he retired. Post retirement he worked for FedEx for 10 years delivering packages. 

Herman was a faithful member and supporter of his church of the Mount Calvary Baptist church, most recently under the leadership of Senior Pastor Dr. Damian M. Epps for over 40 years, serving as an usher and operating the lift for handicap parishioners. Throughout his life, Herman placed the needs of others above his own. He was always there when you needed him the most, and he utilized his personal car to help people reach places they could not on their own. 

Herman's hobbies included reading, which he adamantly read the newspaper from front to back, and read the bible, his favorite scripture being Psalm 23. Herman loved sports especially Football. He played tennis in his youth and due to his military background training, he kept physically active until age and ailments set in. Herman was a family man he loved and supported his family. In 1969, Herman married Sonya Heady and to that union two children were born, Rhonda Heady and Monica Heady. During a second union, Kennedy W Heady was born into the family by his mother Pamela (Jennings) Paris. 

Herman was preceded in death by his parents, older sister Daphne Diane, brothers Lawrence and Leonard Heady, second wife Mary Heady, two sister-in-laws, two nieces, and one nephew. 

Herman leaves to cherish his memory, three children Rhonda Heady, Monica Heady and Kenneth (Felicia) Heady, two sisters Florence and Emma Heady, five grandchildren: Kelsey Washington, Patrick Hester, Julia Heady, Kendall Heady and Robert Houston, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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