Raymond Heyd

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond F. Heyd, a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather, on October 25, 2024, in Nashville, TN. He left this world peacefully, surrounded by his family. 

Ray was a man of deep love and unwavering conviction, always saying that his greatest accomplishment was his family. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alison “Missy” Heyd (née Current-Garcia); his three daughters, Alison Brown (Tony Brown), Mandy Kecman (Dan Kecman), and Rachel Heyd (Christian Costa); and his six grandchildren: Ainsley, Courtland, and Brennan Brown, Harper and Bo Kecman, and Serena Costa. He is also survived by his four brothers, Norman Heyd (Sharon), Ed Heyd (Linda), George Heyd (Eileen), and Philip Heyd (Sue), along with many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Florence Heyd, and his sister, Patricia Heyd. 

Ray was born and raised in New Orleans, a city whose culture (and food!) he always held close to his heart. A graduate of Tulane University, he earned both his BS and MBA there. It was also at Tulane where he met his wife, Missy, on a blind date. 

For much of his life, Ray worked in sales and marketing, a career that took him to places like Alabama, North Carolina, and Virginia before settling in Nashville in 2007. There, Ray’s smiling face became a familiar sight at the Nashville Children’s Theatre, where he worked for ten years before choosing to focus full-time on being “Pop-Pop.” 

Ray was the kind of person who never met a stranger. He could talk to anyone and loved doing so, especially if the topic was Auburn University football or basketball, Tulane football, his favorite NFL team (the New Orleans Saints) or the thing he was most proud of, his family. Ray loved dogs and found peace in taking long walks or playing with his grandchildren. 

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on November 18 at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 6501 Pennywell Dr, Nashville, TN 37205, with a reception to follow at the home of his daughter, Alison, 240 Temple Crest Trail, Franklin TN 37069. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ray’s name to his favorite charity, No Kid Hungry.