Obituary of Richard Beard

Richard, "Dickie" was at home surrounded by his family when he left this world to be with His Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born in Cumberland, MD on October 20, 1933 and married his sweetheart in his hometown on November 21, 1959. Dickie "the Cumberland Flash" was a member of the 1954 undefeated football team, and was inducted into the Virginia Tech Hall of Fame in 1987. He is also a member of the Virginia Tech Football All Century Team. After raising their four children, Dickie and Wanda reconnected with many Hokie friends in supporting their team. Dickie enjoyed the outdoors and traveling and will most importantly be remembered as a loyal and loving husband and father. His sweet smile and big hug served his church well as a greeter and usher for Summerdean Church of the Brethren. He especially enjoyed his involvement in Project Warm and his Golden Friends. Dickie was preceded in death by his bride and love of 52 years, Wanda, and brother Ralph. Surviving are four children, Rick Beard and wife, Cindy, Debbie Ronk and husband Gary, Scott Beard and wife Leigh, and Diana Beard; 15 grandchildren, Rebecca, Rachel, Richard, Ruth, Robert, Riley, Reece, Ridge, Reagan, Annie, Bonnie, Elizabeth, Joshua, Stephen and Abigail. Dickie will be greatly missed by his family and friends; however, we are happy to know that he is now at peace and walking with the Lord. Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Road Fincastle, VA 24090. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Summerdean Church of the Brethren with Pastors Stafford Frederick and Allen Lenker officiating. Interment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road. 366-0707