Jerome James Beard

September 18, 1951 - May 24, 2015

Raleigh – Jerry Beard, 63, went to be with the Lord suddenly on May 24, 2015.

Jerry was born September 18, 1951, in Lenoir, North Carolina, to the late Jerome and Barbara Beard. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Donna Beard, daughter Rachel Hunt (Jon Hunt), and daughter Rita Dorry (Kyle Dorry) as well as his brother David Beard (Kathryn Beard).

Jerry earned degrees from North Carolina State University in Forestry, Conservation, and Civil Engineering, and worked as a civil engineer for NCDOT for almost 30 years to lead and provide for his family. He was a dedicated husband and father who would never miss an opportunity to attend Rachel and Rita’s athletic or academic events. It’s hard to sum up how much Jerry and Donna loved each other; they saw eye to eye on nearly everything.

He was an active Wolfpack Club Member, attending every possible NC State basketball, football, and baseball game with close friends and family. Jerry often told us he was a “lucky charm” for the Pack’s National Championships, having graduated in ’74 and ’83.

Jerry shared his contagious laughter with everyone around him. He was vibrant, competitive, youthful, adventurous, gracious, and extremely funny. Whether he was fishing, biking, golfing, hiking, hunting, going to YMCA Indian Princess outings with his daughters, working with high school students and college students on mission trips - he gave his all to make the world a happier place.

A dear husband, brother, father, friend, mentor; a passionate life led. While sudden grief has engulfed us now with his departure, we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for a peace that surpasses all understanding.

A memorial service will be held at 3 P.M., Friday, May 29th at Colonial Baptist Church 6051 Tryon Road Cary, NC 27518. Jerry will be laid to rest at Historic Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.

The family asks that all gifts and donations be made to alz.org to fight Alzheimer's disease through vital research and essential support programs and services.

Arrangements are under the care of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home 300 Saint Mary’s St. Raleigh, NC 27605