William (Dewey) Arley Beard III

 

 

WILLIAM ARLEY (DEWEY) BEARD III, age 57, of Knoxville, TN and longtime resident of Strawberry Plains, TN passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 21,2022 at his residence in Knoxville.

He was a member of the 79th New York “Highlanders”; Kyle Masonic Lodge #422 F&AM, Lakeway Civil War Preservation Association, General Longstreet Museum, and Knoxville Civil War Roundtable.

His many personal accomplishments include acting/singing (UT and Knoxville Opera Companies, Dollywood, Encore Theater); Historian (appearances on the History Channel, PBS, The Heartland Series, local tours) along with invited lectures (local colleges and high schools).

Dewey was also a published historical author (“Blue Springs”; “History of the 79th New York Cameron Highlanders 1859-1876”, and “Strawberry Plains Tennessee 1861-1865”.

A tremendous voice is now silent, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all he touched and through his expansive collection of rare historical items. A Foundation for these items will be established to share with Museums and Historical Organizations.

Preceded in death by father, William Arley (Bill) Beard II.  He is survived by his loving mother, Stella Beard of Baton Rouge, LA; special longtime partner, Anne Martin of Knoxville; sister, Kim Beard Pollard (Brian) of Knoxville; niece, Chelsea Pollard of Knoxville; and nephew, Alex Pollard of Murfreesboro. There are also several aunts, cousins, and one remaining uncle. Central to his life were his numerous friends met through acting/singing, schools, reenactments, and karaoke.

A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Central United Methodist Church, 201 3rd Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917 with Rev. Jimmy Sherrod officiating. Family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Family and friends will gather at 1:45 p.m. Sunday, August 28, 2022, at Beaver Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, 845 Beaver Creek Road, Strawberry Plains, TN for a 2:00 p.m. graveside service.