The William Heard Fund
On December 13, 2015, our precious son William went to be with Jesus at just 2½ years old. His life was full of sweetness, light, and joy. Even ten years later, we continue to feel the ache of missing him — and the beauty of the ways God continues to use his story. This fund was created in his honor, with the hope that his life would shine light into the darkness others face.
We’d love to hear from you!
Has William’s life impacted you? We invite you to share your story—whether it’s a single sentence or a detailed reflection. Every word is meaningful to our family.
Impact Stories
-
![]()
"William was Jack’s best buddy. He was always curious and willing to try just about anything. I remember him flying around on his balance bike, eating ice cream and even helping him with his potty training. William’s life is a reminder to me that God is faithful to redeem our brokenness. This world is a brief moment that we get to experience bits of heaven and the fallen nature that Christ died to save us from. Not many can say they impacted a community for good the way William did. Through the way the Heard family handled his passing with such grace, giving Ava his heart, and how a ministry was created that helps many others deal with grief and hope in Jesus. While his is missed, his story is as prevalent as ever and as all our stories should be, point to how Jesus loves us. William knew this. Many more know this now because of William."
Chris Hamilton
-
![]()
"William’s death was the first time I truly remember feeling the depth and importance of life, love, and family. His passing brought our family together in a way we had never experienced before. Losing William revealed a strength within myself that I didn’t know I had, and it prepared me—though I didn’t realize it then—for the heartbreak to come. When we lost David, I found comfort in knowing he wasn’t stepping into heaven alone, but was being greeted by the most perfect brown-eyed boy in cowboy boots. William’s life and legacy remind me that even in death, there is still life, and love never ends."
Katie Heard
-
![]()
"I never had the privilege of knowing William this side of Heaven. I've gotten to know him in the last 4 years. Because of William and his family I was able to have the courage to open up a story I had closed off for 28 years. Meeting Jamie and learning William’s story about organ donation gave me the courage to find out more about my sister Andrea’s donation story. William and his family started a ripple that continues today. After finding out Andrea’s recipients names, God laid it on my heart to tell her story. I released a book almost 2 years after meeting Jamie and she and the girls were there to celebrate with me. This family has become a special part of my life. The girls and I share a common bond even though we have many years between us. I cherish every moment I get to spend with them. Our siblings William and Andrea are heroes and I want to forever honor them both!! My life has changed because of William, Jamie, Daniel, Madeline, Annie and all of the ladies at Faithfully Restored. With Love and Gratitude!"
Lisa Boult
-
![]()
"I live with a sad regret that i did not get to know my sweet nephew William before he went to Jesus. Ive had such a close relationship with Madeline since she was born and now Annie, but for some God known reason when William was born; time flew by and i didnt make it down to see him. I often wonder if God was protecting my own heart from the pain of loosing him by keeping me from him because i dont know how i would of handled his death being that close to him like i was his sister. I will never forget talking with Jamie about visiting to “get to know William” and making the plans to go spend time with him the month he left. Unfortunately i didnt make it down BUT GOD; he had other plans. Ive watched God turn Williams short LIFE here on earth into bringing people to Christ! So many people across the country! Williams LIFE has inspired countless numbers of people to find Jesus and depend on God during the worst moments of thier lives; starting with myself, my family members, and transpiring to many peoole around me. Williams LIFE makes people hug thier little ones a little more and to appreciate the small things in life. Williams Life has made my sister, Jamie, become a true disciple for Christ. Because of Williams LIFE, she lives in obedience, leads others to christ, and is a faithful servant to God through her everyday actions. She not only loved me through my worst times and inspred me to go after God, but she loves others while they are in thier worst times. Williams LIFE is still living on through her, Daniel, Madeline, and Annie with their dedication to keeping his memory alive through helping others and getting Williams story out there. God is smiling at thier beautiful family’s faithfulness. Every year i put up my Christmas tree; Williams LIFE shines on the top of our tree; he is our ANGEL. His LIFE has forever changed my life. Williams life will continue to be remembered through my grandchildren and for generations to come in our family."
Mandy Dagres
-
![]()
"We did not know the Heard Family personally but through a mutual friend asking me to pray for them on the scary day my heart was and still is impacted deeply. We had buried a child just a bit before their loss and it pained me deeply to know the journey they were now on. A meal was delivered then an ornament hung in my own William’s room. That ornament has never moved. It reminds us daily how delicate life is and that our greatest comfort is in our heavenly father. I stand in awe of watching (through social media) the work that has been done thru Faithfully Restored."
Laura Brown
-
![]()
"Although William was with us for only a short time, his life has made a deep and lasting impact on me and my family. We had the gift of knowing him before he passed away, and I will forever cherish those memories—especially the sweet pool days filled with joy, laughter, and the innocence that only little ones carry. His story, his light, and the faith you all have lived out through your grief have drawn me closer to Jesus in such a real and personal way. I can honestly say I am a better Christian because of him. God has used William’s life—and the way you’ve shared him with all of us—to strengthen my faith, deepen my compassion, and remind me of the hope we have in Christ. Being a part of Faithfully Restored alongside Jamie has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. Walking with you all, watching the way God continues to redeem and restore through your pain, has shaped the way I love others and the way I trust the Lord with my own story. My son William and my daughter Madison know his name and his legacy. They know how special he is to our family. Every year, when we place his ornament on our Christmas tree, we remember those precious moments with him and the way God has used his life to remind us of His nearness and His promises. It’s a sacred tradition for us—a reminder that even in deep loss, God is still good, still present, and still redeeming. William’s life continues to ripple through mine in the most meaningful ways. His legacy lives on in the way we love others, the way we pray, and the way we cling to Jesus—especially in the seasons that feel heavy."
Heather Milburn
-
![]()
"I just put up my tree and William’s ornament is always in front and in the center of our tree. A prayer is said for William and all of you as I hang it and every time I see it. Can’t believe it’s 10 years. God bless you all with love and peace. He is not forgotten….🙏🏻🤗❤️"
Lori Cookson
