Richard Maurice Beard

Richard Maurice Beard, 88, of Forest passed away Monday, August 1, 2016, at the Oakwood Manor Nursing Home in Bedford. He was the husband of the late Lula Koger Beard. Born November 18, 1927, in Portsmouth, OH, he was the son of the late Edgar Thomas Beard and the late Mittie Lou Anderson Beard.

Richard was a retired electrician for Crist Electric Company and a former Baptist pastor in Martinsville. He was a member of Heritage Baptist Church, and served our country in the U.S. Marines during World War II.

In addition to his wife and parents, Richard was also preceded in death by two siblings, Charles H. Beard and Peggy B. Fitch.

Richard is survived by two children, Charles L. Beard of Bedford and Mary B. Evans of Forest; two grandchildren, Richard Warren Evans and his wife Chere of Concord and Charles Michael Evans and his wife Tiffany of Forest; four great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 5, 2016 at Whitten Timberlake with Dr. Jeff Scott officiating. Interment will follow at Virginia Memorial Park in Forest, where Military Honors will be presented by the American Legion Post 16.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 4335 Cox Rd., Glen Allen, VA, 23060.

To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.

Whitten Timberlake Chapel is serving the family, (434) 239-0331.