Floyd Lee Bevard

Floyd Lee Bevard - Bud Bevard to all his friends and family - was born April 19, 1927 in Knoxville, Illinois, and passed away May 30, 2025 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Deana and Curt Austin, Melbourne Florida, where he had lived for 2 1/2 years. Son, Gene Bevard of Melbourne was also present at his passing.
Bud attended schools in Galesburg, Illinois, and enlisted in the US Navy at age 17 serving on the submarine tender USS Holland in 1945-1947. After returning from WWII, he served four years in the Naval Reserves during the Korean War. He was a proud veteran.
After the war, Bud married Dorothy (Dottie) Sherwood of Galesburg, IL. They moved to Omaha, Nebraska where he developed his education, and then returned to Galesburg where he managed a successful body shop. Bud began racing stock cars in 1949 and became a popular local driver. During this time, he moved to Abingdon and opened his own business, Bevard Auto Body &Paint, which served the community for twelve years.
He and Dot lovingly raised their family and were active in the Abingdon community until 1968 when they moved back to Galesburg and managed the VW body shop. Bud and Dot were founding members of the Abingdon Boat Club on the Mississippi River near Oquawka, IL.
They moved to Denver, Colorado in 1973 to be near two daughters, Cynthia and Beth and their families. They enjoyed many fun years of exploring the mountains on dirt bikes, restoring countless classic Ford Mustangs, holding a very active membership in the Early Mustang Club of Colorado, and participating in car shows around the state winning many awards and trophies. His classic restored Mustangs were often featured in magazines and books, and he sold his classic cars worldwide. Bud restored over 200 classic Mustangs until he was 90 years old.
Leaving Colorado in 2018, Bud and Dot moved to a retirement community in Auburn, Alabama to be near son Alan and family. During his four and half years in Auburn, he developed strong friendships at Camilla Place. In 2021 he was preceded in death by his dear wife Dot, who passed away in Auburn not long after celebrating their 73rd wedding anniversary. In 2022 Bud moved to Florida to live with his daughter Deana and husband Curt. He enjoyed his Florida life living near his son Gene and four grandchildren. While in Melbourne, Bud became a member of Faith Fellowship Church.
In Uganda, Africa, Bud became known as "Grandpa Buddy" at the Think Humanity Secondary School. Nearly 100 students and staff revered him as their caring grandfather. His kindness and generosity never went unnoticed; he leaves behind a living legacy.
Bud stayed connected to a faithful group of family and friends. He was well loved and admired; he continually received phone calls, emails, letters and visitors.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents Alva and Flossie Bevard, his sisters Donna Masinda and Alvina Miller. He is survived by a large loving family: Gene Bevard, Cynthia (Mike)Peterson, Alan (Leigh) Bevard, Beth (Jim) Heckel, Deana (Curt) Austin, 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Condolences may be sent to commemorate Bud's life at 4755 Willow Bend Dr., Melbourne, FL 32935. Bud's family will plan a celebration of his life in the near future.