Robin Beard Jr.

When I learned of Robin's illness and called him, it was like we had been interrupted 20 minutes earlier, not the 20 years it had been. So many memories--the first election day when he told you not to let them find the wreckage of our campaign plane criss-crossing the district until after he was elected--it was the greatest day of his life since becoming a marine (and marrying you); the flight back to Memphis that night when national news proclaimed the opponent was relected, the pilot killed the volumn and and we didn't tell you but he and I both thought all the flight back Robin had lost until the crowd at the airport hollered "Congratulations Mr. Congressman"; the hole in the rump of his one good blue suit that first year in Congress when he had to come back to TN every week-end and slept in Frank Jrs. room to save funds for re-election--so many magnificient memories during all those years in Congress that flash back to me so very often. Am sure I have never and will never love anyone like a brohter more. My great regret is we allowed time and distance to interfere with our friendship. Much love and affection to you and the kids and grand kids, Sonny

Dear Cathy,

Please accept our deepest sympathies on Robin's passing. We served together at 2nd Amtrac Bn, Camp Lejeune, NC in 1964. Robin was the Director of the "P-5" School when I reported to the Bn and we spent many hours on the beach and in the surf in the Amtracs while training. Dottie and I have many fond memories of getting together at the Courthouse Bay Club on Friday evenings, other gatherings, and attending the Marine Corps Ball with you and Robin. The last time we met was at Jim Carneys's house in VA for a barbecue dinner. Robin contributed so much to his country and his Corps, and we will truly miss him. Please pass our deepest condolences to the rest of the family. Robin will be remembered in our prayers.

Cathy and kids: The world's a smaller place now but you know Robin will long be remembered. You also know that he was truly one of a kind, one of the real "good" guys; the memories of this unforgettable man will keep those of us fortunate enough to have know him smiling for a long time to come.

We are very sorry for your loss.

Dear Mrs. Beard, family, and friends,
What a wonderful man. We are humbled by your husband's many years of dedicated service to our country. It is with our deepest sympathy we thank you for supporting him. We met the Honorable Robin Beard during a Pasta Dinner held before the Bridge Run at Second Presbyterian Church to benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. His genuine heart touched us all. No doubt you have some idea of the many, many lives Robin touched through this service. His life will continue on as a part of ours.
God bless all of you.

Mrs. Beard: My name is Lee Wallace. In 1972 I graduated from Austin Peay and asked Robin to join his campaign team. He graciously accepted a green horn in politics and allowed me to work in many capacities in that first campaign. For the first few months Robin and I traveled the district in donated cars. I have so many experiences that I cannot relate them here. Since that time, I went on to seminary and now am a pastor of a church in Knoxville,TN. Robin was an incredible person. I remember most of all his humor--we laughed so much during that first campaign. He was an outstanding, dedicated American that will be longed remembered. I will never forget Robin Beard--I still have one of his fist campaign buttons on a shelf at home. May God's hand hold you and your family up during this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
Lee Wallace

My deepest sympathy to Cathy, family, many friends and associates that The Honorable Robin Beard touched throughout his life. This past spring, I had the opportunity to meet The Honorable Robin Beard during The Lowcountry Healthy Pasta Dinner benefit for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund at Second Presbyterian Church, in Charleston, SC. He was very caring, concerned and giving towards the benefit. The event was a huge success because of his kindness and we will always have a place for him in our hearts. May God's love guide you and those he touched in the name of Jesus.

Cathy, the prayers of our family are with you and your family. I have many great memories of Robin. He was a fun-lovimg guy that demonstrated great passion in everything he took part in.God bless you. Jim Rout.

Mrs. Beard, Lisa, David and children, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my Mom recently and I know how difficult this time is. God bless you. Sincerely, Susan Kieffer

Cathy- I'm was deeply sadden to hear of Robin's death.One of the special times in my life was when I ran Robin's campaign in Shelby county...He was such a great guy and contributed so much to the state and nation. God Bless you and your family.

Dear Mrs. Beard and Family,

Secretary Beard served our nation with honor and distinction and for this his fellow Americans will be eternally grateful. His work regarding the Middle East may indeed be the threads of lasting peace for that region of the world. The GOP will be long affected by the loss of Secretary Beard. His advice and vast knowledge will be sorely missed. May God Bless and Keep you and know that you remain in our prayers.

Mr. Beard was certainly an outstanding man. His sense of humor, honesty, and commitment to duty are rare to find these days. His life hasn't ended, but like God said, he is like a seed that has been planted; we don't mourn the seed, we look intently for new life to burst forth (1 Corinthians 15:36). Jesus told a man that was dying alongside him that life would be that man's once again, in Paradise, when Christ got his throne (Luke 23:42,43). Mrs. Beard, may your faith grant you to be one of the "women who received there dead raised to life again"(Hebrews 11:35). God is the one giving the promise, and he doesn't lie.
Respectfully;
Robin Harris

Cathy, I am so sorry to hear about Robin's death. Some of my fondest political memories and stories revolve around Robin. He certainly helped mold today's Tennessee Republican Party. OUr party won't be the same without him in it, but he will always be in our memories. Susan Richardson Williams

Cathy, God Bless you all and thanks for the memories. I am so very sorry to not be there. Mother & Daddy will greet their beloved friend again.
Love you,
Dicky Williams

We had the pleasure of working with Robin during his time as Personnel Commissioner, TN and in his campaigns for the TN 7th Dist. Our last time was to help with the USS Memphis family fund. We will miss his dedication, humor, dedication to our country and friendship. You have our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Bob & Shirley Schroeder.

My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Beard, kids and grandkids. I had the privilege of servng on Robin's campaign and congressional staff back in the 1970s. Robin was a great public servant and a true gentleman of the highest order. God Bless.