William Lee "Bill" Beard

William Lee "Bill" Beard, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, November 15, 2025. He was born in Greenville, Mississippi on June 23, 1940. He was the fifth child of Davis Maxwell Beard and Lola Nunnery Beard.

Bill was raised by Walter Lee Beard and Rowena Rich Beard on Tralake Plantation. "Billy" was a great athlete. He excelled at both basketball and football at Arcola High School and after consolidation, Hollandale High School. He signed a scholarship for basketball and football at Southern Mississippi University. With great sadness, he left Southern Miss after Walter Beard was killed in an accident and enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Baumholder, Germany. While serving he also played football for the Army football team overseas, as well as received a "Soldier of the Month" award. After finishing his enlistment, Memphis State offered him another football scholarship under coach, Billy "Spook" Murphy. On the field Billy played both sides of the line, Offense and Defense. He gave Ole Miss fits! Also, while at Memphis State, he met the love of his life, Nancy Jean Hargett from Ripley, TN. They were married for 55 years and had two children, Richard Alan Beard while in college and William Wyatt Beard 3 years later.

Bill excelled in the insurance industry. Working for Guardian Life Insurance as the Southeastern Sales Manager out of Atlanta, specializing in Disability Insurance.

Throughout his years Bill found joy in so many things. He trained faithfully for the Peachtree Road Race 10-12 years in a row. He loved quiet time outdoors hunting and fishing. He was happiest with a ball game on, cheering for his teams. At home, you could often find him at the grill, caring for his yard and garden or later in life in his workshop woodturning or serving in his church.

Bill is preceeded in life by his wife, Nancy Hargett Beard; his parents, two of his brothers, Murray Davis Beard and Jerry Beard; a sister, Barbara Ann Beard Miller; brother-in-law, Wallace Sexton; sisters-in-law, Mallory Wilkerson Beard and Julia Ann Beard.

He is survived by his two sons, Richard Alan Beard of Muscle Shoals, AL and William Wyatt Beard (Allison) of Fairhope, AL, three grandchildren, William Charles Beard, Amalie Grace Beard and Catherine Adele Beard. He is also survived by his older brother, Jack Beard (Carolyn) of Birmingham, AL, and a younger brother, Jimmy Beard Moore (Margaret) of Exmore, VA; sister-in-law, Martha Lynn Hargett Sexton of Newbern, TN; along with numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Bill was a beloved son, husband, father and grandfather!

The family would like to thank and recognize Jimi Turk and Susan Dotson with Home Instead, the amazing team in the Memory Care Center of The Reserve in Fairhope, AL, Thomas Hospital, Fairhope. Lastly, a special thanks to Dr Martin Lester for his years of care and Dr. Ann Pearson for her prayers at Fairhope United Methodist Church.

Services will be held for family and friends on Friday, November 21, 2025, 1PM at the Fairhope United Methodist Church, 155 S. Section Street Fairhope, AL. There will be a time of visitation before the service, beginning at 12PM.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Shepherd's Place at https://shepherdsplacerespite.com/contributors at Fairhope United Methodist Church.

Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.