Ralph Beard

Ralph Beard, 67 years old and a servant of God, passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 3rd, 2016. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Janet Beard (Berglund), his two sons, Brian P. Beard and his partner Wesley Hansen; and Robert G. Beard and his wife Ashley Beard. He was also blessed with three beautiful granddaughters, Lola James Beard (Lee), 7 years old, Melody Bree Norwood, 7 years old, and Olivia Grace Beard, 10 months old. He was pre-deceased by his parents Ralph G. Beard Sr. and Roberta Threadgill Beard. Also mourning his loss are his extended family, friends, business associates and the Auburn University family.

An only child, Ralph was born in Birmingham, Alabama on September 4th, 1948. He considered his friends from the Woodlawn High School class of 1966 as his brothers and sisters for which he maintained strong bonds with until his death. Ralph went onto Auburn University and graduated in 1971 with a degree in Marine Biology. During these years, his passion for Auburn University grew; it became his life's work to support his alma mater, on and off the field. After college he married the love of his life Janet Berglund of Minnetonka, MN. There he raised two sons, coached little league sports and mentored many children. Returning to his Southern roots in 1990, he became a season ticket holder for Auburn football games. In that time, he started his own business and became a stalwart in the oil and lubrication industry. A learned man, he was often reading or looking for something else to discover. These traits he passed along to his sons. He never met an enemy and was loved by all.

Funeral Services will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church at 8570 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery, AL 36117 at 1:00PM on Saturday, March 12th, 2016. Reception following.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers; please make a donation to the Auburn University Foundation in memory of Ralph Beard. Send contributions stating in memory of Ralph Beard to the attention of David Mattox, Auburn University Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, 1320 Shelby Center, Auburn, AL 36849.