Frank Lee Beard

June 11, 1949 ~ August 17, 2026

Frank Lee Beard was a one-of-a-kind man whose life was filled with music, laughter, adventure, and a genuine appreciation for the people and things he loved.

Born June 11, 1949, in Frankston and raised in Irving, Frank was a proud Texan. Texas was always home, the places he knew and the friendships he made there remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.

To millions around the world, Frank was the legendary drummer of ZZ Top. For 56 years, he sat behind the drum set and shared the stage with his bandmates, Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill. Together, they created the unmistakable sound of one of America’s most iconic bands. Frank traveled the world, performed on countless stages, and lived a life filled with experiences few people could ever imagine.

But to those who knew Frank best, he was never simply a rock star.

He was a husband, a father, a friend, a golfer, a car enthusiast, and a man who knew how to enjoy life.

Frank also had a tremendous passion for Porsche sports cars. His unique collection reflected his appreciation for beautiful craftsmanship, performance, and the excitement of getting behind the wheel. His enjoyment came from more than just the cars. It came from the conversations, shared experiences, and connections built with friends.

Golf was a particularly important part of Frank’s life. When ZZ Top was on tour, Frank made sure golf was part of the plan. His first request was often “Find me a golf course” because he felt that if he was going to travel the world playing music, he wanted to find time to play a round along the way.

Despite spending decades traveling the world, Frank always maintained a deep connection to home. His ranch in Richmond, Texas was a place where he could slow down, spend time with family and friends, appreciate his cars, talk about golf, and simply enjoy the life he had worked so hard to build.

Those who knew Frank personally will remember his quick wit, his humor, and his ability to make people laugh. He had a way of making an ordinary day memorable and turning a simple moment into a story worth telling.

Above all, Frank loved his family.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Debbie, and was immensely proud of his children, Rory and Nico. Nico and Rory were not simply his sons watching their father from the sidelines; they became part of the touring world with him, working alongside their dad and sharing the unique experiences that came with life on the road. The world may remember the sold-out shows, the legendary music, and the unmistakable sound of ZZ Top, but Nico and Rory will carry memories of their father that go far beyond the stage—memories of traveling together, working together, laughing together, and simply having their dad close by. Those are the moments that became his family’s greatest treasures.

Frank’s legacy, however, will not be measured only by records sold, stages played on, or awards received.

It will be measured in the people he loved, the friendships that lasted decades,

In the laughter shared over a round of golf,

In the stories told about life on the road,

In the roar of a Porsche engine,

In the music that continues to make people smile,

And in the countless memories that will be shared whenever someone says, “Frank would have loved this.”

He truly was one of a kind.

May the fairways always be open, the greens always be smooth, and the road ahead always have a beautiful Porsche waiting around the corner.

Rest easy, Frank. You will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Frank is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Beard, sons, Nico and Rory Beard, and daughters, Denise Bowen, and Diana Houpt.

He was preceded in passing by his parents, John and Rachel Beard.