Billy Joe Beard

The path of this life’s journey began with birth of Billy Joe “Joe Kid” Beard on July 24, 1949, in the Mt. Morriah Community of Arkadelphia, son of Ernest and Lizzie Smith Beard. Brother Billy confessed Christ at an early age and joined Mt. Morriah Baptist Church. He attended Mt. Morriah Elementary School and Peake High School. Billy worked as a logger with Daily Lumber Company for several years and later he worked as a cook at Ouachita Vo-Technical College. In his 60th season of life Billy traded his earthly home for eternal rest with his heavenly Father on Wednesday, January 27, 2010, in St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Paul Beard and his sister, Shirley Beard Evans. His proudest joy and gleam in his eye were his grandchildren. Billy was a patient man. His infectious smile, roaring voice, and gentle nature will be forever remembered. “Joe Kid” leaves to cherish his memories; a special friend Brenda, three children, Anthony (Chandra) Beard of Malvern, Jeffery Beard of Conway and Brittany Beard of Columbus, OH; four grandchildren; four brothers, Charles (Dorothy) Beard, William Beard of Dallas, TX, Jerry (Carmella) Beard of Arkadelphia, and Johnny Beard of Texarkana. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, numerous cousins and friends. Mr. Beard will lie in state in on Friday from 12 noon until 7:00 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. A Celebration of his life will be held Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. in Mt. Morriah Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Vernon Moody, Sr., is the pastor and Rev. J. L. Newborn preach a message of comfort. The committal and final resting place will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Bearers of the Casket David Avington, Sr., Tracey Eason, Perry McCauley, Jr., Rufus Newborn, William Newborn, Russell Smith, Troy Smith, and Andrea Tuggle.