Johnny Ervin Beard

Johnny Ervin Beard was born July 25, 1951 in the Mt. Morriah Community of Arkadelphia, Arkansas to the union of Earnest and Lizzie Mae Smith Beard. He accepted Christ in his youth and united with Mt. Morriah Baptist Church. As a young teen Johnny was the local barber for the community and therefore nicknamed “Jake the barber”. Johnny attended Peake High School and later attended Job Corps of America in St. Marcus, Texas where he studied heavy equipment operation. He worked for several years as a crane operator in the Dallas area. He possessed a strong work ethic and was skilled craftsman. By all accounts he was a “jack of all trades”, he was known for his crafted and hand-stitched leathers. He was a private man, who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was known for his trademark hat and dark tinted shades. Although his absence leaves a void, he will be treasured by those who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lizzie M. Beard (2004), Earnest Beard (2006); two brothers, Paul C. Beard (2004) and Billy J. Beard (2010) and his sister, Shirley M. Beard Evans. Johnny leaves in God’s care his children: Johnny E. Beard, Jr., of Dallas, TX, John Beard of Hot Springs, AR, Veronica Beard of Malvern, AR, Felecia Wallace of Malvern, AR, and Brittney Beard of Malvern, AR; nine grandchildren; three brothers, Charles E. (Dorothy) Beard, William D. Beard of Dallas, TX, and Jerry L. Beard of Arkadelphia. He also leaves six aunts, Dorothy Luster of Arkadelphia, AR, Christine Quarles of Arkadelphia, AR, Zelma Smith of Arkadelphia, AR, Birtie (Vernon) Preston of Dallas, TX, Janice Beard of Dallas, TX and Mildred Johnson of Dallas, TX; two uncles, Cleveland (Della) Smith of Malvern, AR and Douglas Smith of Malvern, AR; a host of nieces, nephews, numerous cousins, his best friend Eddie Forte of Dallas, TX and several other friends. A Celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Mt. Morriah Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Vernon Moody, Sr., is the pastor and Rev. J. L. Newborn, eulogist. Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Public viewing will be Friday, January 29, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.