Billy Beard

Billy Ray Beard, 83

Brandon, MS

On December 1, 2017, Billy Ray passed away peacefully surround by his family at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS. He was born October 8, 1934 in Morton, MS.  It’s been said a lucky man finds love once in a lifetime but, only a truly blessed man finds love twice.  Blessed & loved are the perfect words to describe Billy Ray Beard. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 32 years, Alice Scott Beard and leaves behind his loving wife of 30 years, Betty Maxine Beard.

Affectionately known as Daddy, Pop and Papaw; Billy Ray was loved by all who knew him. He loved fishing, tending to his garden, taking care of his cows, and was a master welder. Billy Ray was an active member of Thornhill Baptist Church in Pelahatchie, MS.

Billy Ray was reunited in death with his parents, Mary Ossie Beard and Warren Columbus Beard; son, Bruce “Boo Boo” Alan Beard; daughter-in-law, Malissa Beard; and brothers, JC Murphy and Wilette Beard. He leaves behind his children Steve Beard of Brandon, Robin Rogers (Tim) of Morton, Kimberley Cash (Jamie) of Brandon, Dwight Varner (Dianne) of Brandon.  Billy was also “Papaw” to 6 children (Amanda Newby (Chad), Colie Beard, Alyssa Taylor, Zach Rogers (Victoria), Adam Varner and Allison Rogers) and 9 great-grandchildren.  He was also the proud brother of Lucy Barr, Sadie Craine, and Betty Moore. Billy was also proud to call Johnny Conn his brother-in-Christ.

Visitation is Sunday, December 3, 2017, from 5-8pm and Monday, December 4, 2017, from 1-2pm at Ott & Lee in Brandon, MS, funeral services will be held at Ott & Lee in Brandon, MS on Monday, December 4, 2017, at 2pm with burial immediately following at Andrew Chapel Cemetery.