Paul Beard

Paul Beard, a dedicated family man and beloved member of the Lincolnton community, passed away peacefully at his residence in Thomson, GA on October 14, 2024. Born on February 28, 1951, in Lincolnton, he was the sixth child of twelve to the late Roy Beard Sr. and Duries McCord Beard. Paul was a twin who entered the world moments before his sister, marking the beginning of a life filled with cherished memories, laughter, and love.

Paul spent over 25 years as a truck driver in the logging industry, retiring from McWhorter Logging. Educated in the Lincoln County public school system, Paul enriched the lives of all who met him with his contagious joy and propensity for humor. Paul was married to Ella Jane Beard who preceded him in death, and two children were born, Naquae and Demond to that union. 

An avid gardener, Paul delights in working in his yard, planting flowers, and caring for his lawn. These activities are more than just hobbies; they are extensions of his passion for nurturing, which he also expresses through entertaining his family and hosting cookouts that bring everyone together. His home is a sanctuary of love and laughter, where he loves to make people smile, often with a nickname that makes each person feel special.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, and many of his beloved siblings: Roy Beard Jr., Alvin Beard, Charles Beard, Charlene Andrews, Leonard Beard, Paulette Beard, Vincent Beard, and Leon Beard.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Cathy Handy-Beard, who stood by him through life's ups and downs. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his children, Naquae B. Cannady and Demond (Tekeisha) Beard both of Thomson, GA, step-son, Dante Handy of Chicago, Ill, and his five grandchildren, Isaiah Cannady, Tevin (Allisa) Beard, Jasmine (Antwone Gordon) Handy, Laporshia (Stephanie) Gray, and Comeisha Gray. His joy multiplied further with his eight great-grandchildren: Almond Beard, Avionna Beard, Markevion Martin, Aubree Reid, R'moni Franklin, Demarcus Barr, De'Nasiah Barr, and Cole Broomfield, Jr. They were his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

He is also survived by his sisters Gayle Beard of Augusta, GA and Shirley B. (Willie) Jones of Lincolnton, GA, brother Racy Beard of Athens, GA, three sisters-in-law, Dorothy Beard, Faye Andrews, and Beverly Norman; two brothers-in-law Jessie (Carol) Salem, and Michael (Sherrice) Freeman, special nieces, Angie Brown Coppin and Gayle Brown, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The collective warmth of their memories embodies the spirit of a man whose heart knew no bounds.