Roosevelt Beard Jr.

Roosevelt Beard, Jr., affectionately known as "Roe," was born on January 27, 1952, to the late Roosevelt Beard, Sr., and the late Dorothy Faison Beard in Fort McCoy, FL. In 1957, at the age of five, he and his family relocated to Port St. Joe, FL. During his youth in Port St. Joe, Roosevelt discovered a deep love for music, which led him to become a skilled drummer in a local band. His talent also earned him a spot as a drummer in the marching band at Washington High School in North Port St. Joe.
After graduating from Washington High School in 1970, Roosevelt returned to Fort McCoy, where he applied his expertise as a certified welder, working for a local company in the Ocala area for nearly 20 years. In the early 1990s, he launched his renowned business, Roosevelt's Barbecue - Home of the Pile, which has proudly served thousands of customers for over three decades. In recent years, Roosevelt passed down his legacy by training his sons in the art of barbecue, and they continue to uphold the family tradition, serving central and north Florida with excellence.
Roosevelt's spiritual journey began as a child when he attended church with his parents at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Fort McCoy and the First Born Church of the Living God in Port St. Joe, FL. In the summer of 1987, a sermon by Pastor Wender Gavin at the Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Tallahassee, FL titled "The Price is Too High, the Risk is Too Great," profoundly impacted him. This message resonated with Roosevelt and that day he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost.
From that point onward, Roosevelt's spiritual growth flourished under the mentorship of the late Apostle Bernard Tuggerson, Apostle Lillian Tuggerson and Bishop Cleveland Dennison. Serving as the Senior Deacon for several decades at Pentecostal Full Gospel Church (now Immerse Church), Roosevelt was a devoted leader who made a lasting impact on countless lives.
In December 1975, Roosevelt's life took a joyful turn when he met Yolande Franklin, the love of his life. They married on May 12, 1977 and spent 47 years together, growing in grace and their faith in Jesus Christ. Yolande faithfully stood by Roosevelt's side, lovingly caring for him until his passing at 12:50 p.m. on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Roosevelt was preceded in death by his parents, Roosevelt Beard, Sr. and Dorothy Faison Beard; his son, LaRoyal Beard; and his brother, Derrick Beard, Sr.
He leaves behind cherished memories to be celebrated by his loving spouse, Yolande Franklin Beard, and their children: three sons, Curtis Beard (Kimberly) of Port St. Joe, FL, Roosevelt Beard III (Latrunia) of Savannah, GA, and Aaron Beard (Koya) of Ocala, FL, as well as one daughter, Shawanna Smith of Tampa, FL
He is also survived by his five brothers: Bishop Terrell Beard (Leisha) of Anthony, FL, Herbert Beard of Port St. Joe, FL, Carl Beard of Ocala, FL, Dr. Timothy Beard (Wendy) of Tallahassee, FL, and Leonard Beard of Ocala, FL; one sister, Veronica Barrington (Arthur) of Tallahassee, FL; and his lifelong friend, Emmanuel Watts of Ocala, FL.
Additionally, he is remembered by six uncles: Hodges Beard of Valdosta, GA, Elliott Beard of Ocala, FL, Curtis Beard, Sr. of Micanopy, FL, Jackie Beard, Sr. of Anthony, FL, Julius Beard of Ocala, FL, and Reggie Faison of Ocala, FL; three aunts: Olivia Snow of Atlanta, GA, Annie Pearl Faison of Washington, D.C., and Celestine Clinkscale of Washington, D.C.; one godson: Kenneth Beard of Ocala, FL, as well as 20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and members of the community.