Ricky Lynn Beard's spirit was set free on November 6, 2016 following an on-going illness. A carpenter and a cowboy, his broad beaming smile lit up the world; he was 56 years old.
Born in Williamson County, Tennessee on October 28, 1960, Ricky was the fourth child of Walter Ralph Beard and Lillie Sullivan Beard, both of whom preceded him in death. He never met a stranger and was adored by all who knew him. Ricky was the youngest child for five years and liked it so much that he tried to trade his new little sister for a beagle puppy; he even packed a bag for her. Fortunately for her, his parents put a stop to the exchange.
Ricky attended Pinewood Heights Elementary School and graduated from Fairview High School in 1978. He also attended Nashville State Technical Institute where he studied civil engineering.
As a child and young man, Ricky roamed the hills and hollows where he grew up with childhood friends in Primm Springs, Tennessee, hiking, fishing, gigging frogs, hunting, riding horses, and camping on the various family farms. He was a sought-after detail carpenter and his work included custom rustic doors and outdoor furniture for Dolly Parton's Williamson County home. He loved nothing more than being on horseback and spent many hours in the saddle with his friends. One of Ricky's great passions was music. He played baritone horn in middle and high school (when he first started, it was bigger than he was) and loved to play guitar and sing with his many musical pals.
He is survived by a son, Tanner Beard; brother, Ralph (Nicky) Beard (Terri); sisters, Sherry Beard (Richard Quin), Sandra Tinch (Ricky), and Rebecca Moore (Andy). He also leaves behind a niece and 3 nephews; a great-nephew and 3 great-nieces; great-aunt, Frances Martin Spencer; as well as a host of beloved cousins and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, Gregory Lee Beard; paternal grandparents, Grace Nichols and Andy Beard; maternal grandparents, Lou Della Martin and Homer Sullivan; and former wife, Pamm Eddy Beard.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 3rd, 10:30 a.m. at Greenbriar Cemetery. Afterward, family and friends are invited to a family visitation and memorial luncheon at Greenbriar Community Center, 5964 Greenbriar Road, Franklin, Tennessee.
In honor of Ricky's love for horses and riding, memorials may be made to Saddle Up! 1549 Old Hillsboro Road, Franklin, TN 37069 or Horse Haven of Tennessee P.O. Box 22841 Knoxville, TN 37933.
Service Information
Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 10:30am, Greenbrier Cemetery