Cowen-Dr. John Wilson Beard, Jr, 61, formerly of Lewisburg, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, at Peyton Hospice House in Fairlea.
Born Apr. 20, 1955, at Clifton Forge, VA, he was a son of the late John Wilson Beard, Sr. and Doris Ann Bostic Beard.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Amy Bailey Beard in 2015.
Known to some as John or Jack and to others simply as Dr. Beard, he was a 1973 graduate of Greenbrier East High School and a 1993 graduate of WVSOM. He served mainly as an emergency room physician having worked at Sacred Heart Hospital in Richwood and Pocahontas Memorial Hospital in Marlinton. He also worked at Quick Care Clinic in Washington, WV. He loved his wife, Amy. He also loved his son, Casey very much and worked diligently to teach him to respect and care for others. Something he practiced tirelessly, Jack had an uncommon ability to recall people, event dates, times and locations. He loved to reminisce about his younger years. Jack was a self-taught guitarist and was also a great cook.
Surviving are his son, Casey Benjamin Beard of Craigsville; brothers, Stewart Beard and wife Brenda of Ronceverte and Charles Douglas “Doug” Beard of Caldwell; father-in law and mother-in-law, Eddie and Beth Bailey of Craigsville, who are raising Casey; niece, Jessica Knight with husband Rob and their children, Jonathan and Sophie of Charlottesville, VA; nephews, John D. Beard of Ronceverte, Nicholas Beard currently working in China and Matthew Beard currently attending WVU. Also surviving are countless friends.
Tentatively a celebration of Jack’s life will be held at his favorite location, Shelter #1 at Greenbrier State Forest in Harts Run on Saturday, Nov. 19. Gather with family and friends at 11 a.m. and bring a chair.
The family requests no flowers, but rather a contribution in Jack’s memory be made to Peyton Hospice House, 1265 Maplewood Avenue, Lewisburg, WV 24901.
As per his wishes he will be cremated and his ashes will be interred beside his parents in Riverview Cemetery in Ronceverte.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
