Mr. Gary Dean Beard

Gary was born in Orlando, Florida, on October 16,1948 to Linnie Dean Beard and Pauline Collier Beard.

Gary served his country in the United States Marine Corps for 24 years, serving during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. His career in the Marines took him many places including Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia. Serving in the United States Marine Corps was one of the great honors of his life, where he forged lifelong bonds of brotherhood and friendship that remained a constant throughout his life. He was a dedicated Marine even after his retirement from the Corps in 1991 as a Master Gunnery Sergeant and would wear red on Fridays to Remember Everyone Deployed.

He also worked in AC repair, electrical, and as a Building Maintenance Supervisor and Dock Master at Berkman Plaza. He loved to fish and often enjoyed fishing with his nephew Brandon Valdes. He was an avid reader and was known to always have a book that he was reading.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Barbara Jean Richardson Beard, daughters Tracey Paris (Jason Paris) and Shannon Doyle (Patrick Doyle). 4 grandchildren Madison Vargas (David Vargas), Grayson Paris, Marlee Paris and Lily Doyle. 3 great grandchildren Addy, Jacob and Rosie Vargas, one sister Susan Story (Gary Story) as well as many other family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Services to honor Gary’s life will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026. Visitation will be held at Riverside Event Pavilion, 1373 Memorial Park Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32205, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. A Committal Service will take place at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218, on July 20, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

Gary took great pride in his love for the Marine Corps. In celebration of his life and legacy, those attending the funeral are welcome to wear red in his honor.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to the Race Against Dementia @ https://www.raceagainstdementia.com/donate.