James Orville Beard, 76, of Heber Springs, Arkansas, passed away on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011. James was born August 29, 1934 in Holly Grove, Arkansas to the late James and Jewel Beard. He was also predeceased by his beloved wife Connie Self Beard.
James was an active Deacon and faithful member of Sugarloaf Baptist Church in Heber Springs. James also operated the Beard Appraisal Service for over forty years in Heber Springs. He was active in community groups such as the Rotary Club, Boy Scout Scoutmaster, and the Boys Club of Brinkley. He served in the Gideons, trained in Bible Drill, preached in lake ministry, and was a founder of Tumbling Shoals Baptist Church.
James is survived by three sons, Jim Beard and wife Treeva, Robert Beard and wife Carla, Paul Beard and wife Karen; one daughter, Jenny Lynn (Beard) Hall; and grandchildren, Hannah, Abigail, Rebecca, Sally, Nichole, Hunter, Alexandra, Joshua, and Zachary.
Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, June 3, 2011 at the Sugarloaf Baptist Church, Heber Springs with Bro. Tony Criswell and Bro Mike Love officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 2, 2011 at the Heber Springs Funeral Home, 1199 Wilburn Road, Heber Springs (501-887-9152). Interment will be in the Heber Springs Cemetery. Sign online guest book at heberspringsfuneralhome.com 