Mr. Richard Lee Beard

Richard Lee Beard, 83, of Roanoke passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023. He was a son of the late Saylor F. Beard and Margaret Carper Beard. He served his country in the United States Army. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a brother, Charles Van Beard.

Richard retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad after 30 years of employment.  He was a past member of Melrose Masonic Lodge #139 and the Kazim Shriners Temple of Roanoke Virginia.  An avid gardener,  and skilled carpenter he enjoyed creating beautiful,  relaxing outdoor spaces. Richard was a member Red Hill Baptist Church, serving the Lord and putting family first.   He was a three year football letterman at Jefferson Sr. and was a starter on the 1957 Virginia State Championship team.   He continued to enjoy athletics by coaching recreation league football, baseball, and basketball.  

Survivors are his loving wife of 60 years, Sandra B. Beard; children, Timothy “Tim” Beard (Sharon) and Wendi Beard Stevenson (Kenny); brother, Kenneth Beard (Charlotte); grandchildren, Emily Finn Stevenson, Sarah Stevenson and Brittney Jarratt (Blake); special friends, Jimmy and Ann Jordan; a very special cousin, Carol Sanger; numerous nieces and nephews and other family and friends.

A graveside service celebrating Richard’s life will be held 1:30 pm, Monday, September 25, 2023 at Old Dominion Memorial Gardens with Pastor Brian Geiser officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 to 12:00 noon Monday prior to the graveside service at Lotz Funeral Home, 1001 Franklin Road, Roanoke.