Thomas D. Beard Sr.

Thomas Derrell Beard, Sr. of Snellville, Georgia passed away on March 23, 2010 following an extended illness. He was born on September 27, 1943, in Meridian, Mississippi, the only child of the late L.D.(Buddy) Beard, Jr. and Janelle Plummer Beard.

Following his graduation from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he majored in chemistry, Tommy worked in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. He enjoyed a successful career in pharmaceutical sales and management with Winthrop, Glaxo and Amgen. He retired from Amgen as Vice President of Sales.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kay Castle Beard; daughter, Dr. Leigh Ann Beard and son-in-law Dr. Chau Nguyen of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; son, Dr. Thomas D. (Tom) Beard, Jr. and his fiancée Bethany Howard of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and a number of cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and other dear relatives and friends.

A graveside service will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 27 at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian, Mississippi with the Rev. George Pugh officiating.