L. Franklin Beard

L Franklin “Frank” Beard was born April 24, 1935 in Youngstown, Ohio to Anna Dorothy Pratt Beard and Leroy Franklin Beard. When he was two years old, his family moved to the neighboring town of Canfield. Frank attended Canfield schools and then entered The Ohio State University in Columbus as a marketing major. There he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.

After leaving Ohio State, Frank moved to California to work for O.N.C Motor Freight System. He was employed by ONC as a district manager and then business manager. He met his wife Sharon in San Diego and they started their family in Los Altos. In 1969 he and his family moved to Dallas where he was with Red Ball Motor Freight. In 1971 Frank started Southern States Traffic Systems and owned the company until he retired in 1995.

Frank was an avid Ohio State fan and followed the Buckeyes his entire life. His greatest sports joy was attending the Ohio State vs. Michigan game every year held in Columbus. His famous cheer was “GO BUCKS!” He loved fishing and hunting with his friends and family. As a member of Ferndale Fishing Club he maintained many friends. Later he designed and built a house on Cedar Creek Lake/Deer Island where he loved entertaining, fishing, and barbequing. After retiring, he enjoyed playing golf. As a member of Royal Oaks Country Club, he played with friends and family. He was a member of the Dicky Do’s until he moved to the Pinnacle Club and Cedar Creek Country Club where he hosted the FBI (Frank Beard Invitational) golf tournament. At Cedar Creek Lake Frank and Sharon hosted annual 4th of July parties with barbeque and fireworks. In 2000, Frank and Sharon moved to the Hills Country Club near Austin. There he loved his MWF men’s golf groups and couples golf on Sundays.

Frank was a devout Christian and while in Dallas, he enjoyed ushering at Highland Park Presbyterian Church. In Austin he attended Lakeway Church. Frank was preceded in death by his parents and sister Barbara. Frank is survived by his wife Sharon Johnson Beard of 56 years. She was always an avid supporter of all his activities and hobbies. Together they entertained, traveled around the world and raised two children and six granddaughters. He is also survived by daughter Carla Beard Smyrl of Austin, son-in-law Greg Smyrl, son Philip Franklin Beard of Bryan and daughter-in-law Robin Payne Beard. Frank was so proud of his six granddaughters (all campers at Camp Mystic in Hunt, TX) Carly Smyrl Sheehan, married to Jordan Sheehan (Dallas), Caroline Smyrl and Cara Smyrl (Austin), Anna Clare Beard, Brooke Beard and Maggie Beard (Bryan). Frank's family was always a priority in all he did. He will be missed by all of his family and friends. Please join the family in celebration of Frank’s life at 11am Saturday, March 20, 2021 at The Lakeway Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lakeway Church, 2203 Lakeway Blvd, Austin TX 78734 or Highland Park Presbyterian Church, 3821 University Blvd, Dallas TX 75205.