William Barker Beard

William “Billy” Barker Beard (86) passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 9, 2025. He was born in Newton, NC, on March 28, 1938 to Charles A. Beard, Sr. and Augusta C. Beard. Billy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Edith Westbrook Beard, brother Charles “Doc” Beard (Diane), daughter Ann Beard Lehman (Dan), son Joe Beard, granddaughter LeighAnn Lehman Evans (Daquan), and grandson Daniel Lehman. 

Billy and Edith met and married while at Erskine College. Following graduation, the two moved to Edith’s hometown of Edgemoor, SC. Billy worked 28 years for the US Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation, as a Civil Engineer. During this time, he was also dedicated to working the family farm. Following retirement, he went on to spend his summers at Camp Wildwood as an instructor, sharing his knowledge of our natural resources to camp goers. When not at camp, he was sure to continue sharing his knowledge of gardening and nature with his two grandchildren every chance he got. 

Additionally, Billy dedicated 34 years volunteering for the Lando Fire Department and served as Fire Marshal for the Department. He was appointed to serve on the Chester County Rural Fire Board, dedicated 8 years on Chester County School Board, and was an active Elder at Edgemoor ARP Church. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Billy Beard on March 19, 2025, at Edgemoor ARP Church at 2pm, with Rev. Dwight Pearson officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:30 at the church prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Edgemoor ARP Church, Lando Fire department P.O. Box 20 Edgemoor SC 29712, and Wayne T Patrick House Hospice Rock Hill, SC.