Billy Beard

1927 - 2025

Billy Beard

August 19, 1927 - June 11, 2025

Billy Blair Beard, 97, of Newton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Born in Lincoln County on August 19, 1927, he was the son of the late John Beard and Susie Williams Beard.

Bill was a 1944 graduate of Maiden High School, and 1948 graduate of Barber school in Durham. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

A familiar face to many in the community, Bill was the proud owner and operator of Bill Beard's Barber Shop for 66 years. He was known not just for his skill with a pair of clippers, but for the conversations, laughter, and kindness that filled his chair. He loved every minute of it.

A devoted member of Mt. Ruhama Baptist Church in Maiden, his faith and love for his church family were central to his life. He served faithfully in many positions over the years.

In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Doris Anne Ross Beard; seven brothers, Brather Beard, Rimmer Baird, Klutz Beard, Yates Beard, Truitt Beard, Jerry Baird, Harold Baird; and three sisters, Velma Williams, Neta Parker, Annie Parker.

He is lovingly remembered by:

Two sons: Joel Beard and wife, Pam, of Maiden; Philip Beard and wife, Robin, of Maiden

One daughter: Martha Brown and husband, Bill, of Conover

Four grandsons: Dr. Blair Brown and wife, Jennifer, Dr. Daniel Brown and wife, Dr. Katy Reines, Andrew Beard, Jordan Beard

Granddaughter: Allison Beard

Two great-grandsons: Gannon Brown, Decker Brown

Numerous Nieces and Nephews

A funeral service to celebrate Bill's life will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 3 p.m. at Mt. Ruhama Baptist Church in Maiden, with Dr. Ed Yount and Rev. Dustin Lovelace officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m., at the church, prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Ruhama Baptist Church Building Fund, 3273 Mt. Ruhama Church Road, Maiden, NC 28650.

Thank you to the caregivers who were so special to him, Maria, Dee, Lisa, LaDonna, Beverly and Myleah. Special thanks to the staff at Conover Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who were so kind and caring.

Condolences may be shared online at www.burkemortuary.com.

Burke Mortuary & Crematory of Newton is honored to serve the Beard family.

Burke Mortuary & Crematory of Newton