J. Lee "J.L." Beard

J. Lee “J.L.” Beard, of Groesbeck, passed away Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Windsor Healthcare Residence, at age 94.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Groesbeck Funeral Home. 

Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Tracy Sims of the Central Baptist Church of Thornton officiating. Burial will follow in Faulkenberry Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

J.L. was born July 27, 1930, in Concho, TX. to Thomas J. and Hester L. Beard. He graduated from Paint Rock High School (near San Angelo) in 1948. After graduation, J.L. moved to Hamilton to live with his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fetty, and began working in Hamilton for Lone Star Gas.

In Hamilton, J. L. met Sue Hamilton. They were married on September 1, 1950. J. L. received his call to service in 1952, and served in the United States Air Force through 1955, with most of his time in Newfoundland, where he often remembered how it was very cold. Sue joined him there and that was where their first son Tommy was born. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Hamilton and resumed working for Lone Star Gas.

The family moved to Groesbeck when he was transferred from Waxahachie in 1969. With his children in school in Groesbeck ISD, he was a member of the Groesbeck Band Boosters, working the concession stand at games, and he also drove the band bus to games. J. L. was a member of the First Baptist Church of Groesbeck, and again served by driving the church bus. 

J. L. retired from Lone Star Gas in 1985 with 37 years of service. During those years, he walked many a mile reading meters, and talked to many people while working in Groesbeck, Thornton, Jewett or other towns. He loved talking to people and made many friends.

After his retirement from Lone Star Gas, he worked at numerous jobs, including Fort Parker State Park (where he really enjoyed meeting and talking with people), and also for the City of Groesbeck and the Kosse Mine.

J.L. and Sue were members of BiStone Travelers RV club, and enjoyed traveling monthly to campgrounds around Texas. He was a member of the Gatesville Masonic Lodge and a longtime member of the Groesbeck Fire Department.

J.L. was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Beard, son Tommy Beard, daughter-in-law, Lori Beard, and sister, Louise Kinsley.

He is survived by three children and their spouses: Kathy and Thomas Curry, Gary and Liz Beard, and David and LaVonza Beard. He was the proud PawPaw of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren: Alison, Kelly, Blake, Jarrod, Sarah, James, Clayton, Justin, Kevin, Emily, Mackenzie, Gavin, Kasen, Jackson, Jacob, William, Nova, Killian, Piper, Katelynn, Riley, Easton, and Grayson. 

He is also survived by his sister, Sarah Craig and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sharon and George Warlick; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of J.L. to Lara’s House, the Groesbeck Volunteer Fire Dept., or any charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Community Hospice and Windsor Nursing Home for the care provided to their Dad.