Richard M. "Mike" Beard

Richard “Mike” Beard left this earth and was received by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 21st, 2024 at age 63. He was born on October 1, 1960 in Biloxi Mississippi but spent most of his life in Florida. He served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Army as a Food Service Specialist from 1979 to 1982. Over the years, he also worked at Progress Energy, Pro-Line Boats, 4-Star Lawncare, Kittens and Paws, and River Region Animal Hospital. For the last decade, he pursued his dream of running a pet store to ensure that every animal was always given a chance to have a good home. You could find him down at Howard’s Flea Market every weekend, as well as his favorite hometown restaurant Luigi’s. He is pre-deceased by his father, Charles Wilder Beard; and mother, Judith Gardner. Mike is survived by his wife of 28 years, Kathy Beard; daughter, Alisha Beard Dibiasie (husband Josh); grandchildren Lilith & Atticus Dibiasie; stepfather David Gardner, stepmother Andrea Spayd Beard Swanson, sister Cindy Floyd (husband Jeff); brothers Kenneth Beard, Scott Beard, Mark Beard (wife Anna), Brian Gardner (wife Hannah), Shawn Gardner (wife Nicole); nieces Alyssa, Kaitlyn, Olivia, Kaylee Kenna; nephews Mark, Brandon, Tyler, Connor, Justin, Carson, Kashton. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 22, 2024 at Crystal River Church of God with Pastor Ronnie Reid officiating. Military Honors will follow at 1:30 P.M. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to a local animal shelter.

Macrini-Wilder Funeral Home, Homosassa, Florida.

www.macrini-wilderfuneral.com