Luther was born in Heard County, Franklin, Georgia on October 12, 1914 to the proud parents of Susie Cheeks and Paul Heard who preceded him in death. Three brothers; twin Lucuis also deceased, Eddie B. and Homer Frank (unknown). Luther was reared in the towns of Rome and Carrollton, GA. Luther left home at an early age after the death of his mother. He worked hard and found his "nitch" and joined the U. S. Army in 1942 and served his country during World War II. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1945. During his tenure in service he received the American Theatre Campaign Medal; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 bronze service star; American Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

A self taught man with a third grade education, he could read, write and count. He instilled in his family to "do unto others as you wish to be did by." Luther succeeded in a lifetime career in construction with William C. Vick Construction Company in Raleigh, NC until retiring. He served as a bricklayer and pouring mortar. During the latter part of his life, Luther realized the need for Christ, and accepted Christ as his personal Savior and joined Good Samaritan Baptist Church.

Luther met and married Odell Lee Montague from Garner, NC in 1942. To this union there were eleven children: Naomi Sanders (deceased); Clifton Montague (Ernestine) of Temple Hill, MD; Christine Tomlinson, Jimmy Tuck (lola), Annie Hopkins (George), Faye Terrell (Bobby), Olivia Lynch (Jerry) and William Larry all of Raleigh, NC; Joyce Heard and Bernice Lee (Charles) of Boston, MA; Luther, Jr. (Elizabeth) of Charlotte, NC. He also leaves to cherish his memories 48 grandchildren, 68 great-grandchildren and 8 great great¬grandchildren, as well as other relatives and friends.