Life Reflections

On Saturday, February 13, 2021, Jimmy Lee Beard a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, wanted to let you know that his work here on earth is done. He received a calling he could not refuse. He left detailed instructions for his wife and children to celebrate his mission here on earth.

Jimmy Lee Beard (Jim) was born May 1, 1950, the youngest of four children, born to the late Willie B. and Viola George Beard in Magnolia, Arkansas.

Jim accepted Christ at an early age at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Magnolia and was very active, service as Superintendent of Sunday School, President of the Choir and Youth BTU Leader. Jim was also very active in the Columbia District Baptist Association, serving in many capacities. He and his family later joined Concord Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas.

Jim graduated from Columbia High School, in Magnolia, Arkansas in 1968. He excelled academically and in extra curriculum activities, especially sports. Jim was a standout, a star basketball player, so much so that after graduation he received a basketball scholarship to Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. His basketball career took him to Dallas Baptist University where he continued his academic ventures, excelling in basketball, earning him the privilege to play with a professional basketball team in Leon, Mexico in 1974. Jim received a bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Recreational and Political Science. He became a Charter Member of the St. John Masonic Lodge #456, Stephens, Arkansas.

While attending Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas he met and married Wanda Kay Harris in 1970 in Magnolia, Arkansas, to this union, 3 sons were born. He and his family moved to Fordyce, Arkansas where he was employed with Phelps Dodge. He later moved his family to Dallas, Texas where he was employed for over 20 years as a manager at Chaparral Steel. During Jim's employment in the Steel Industry, he mentored and assisted many in obtaining jobs. He believed in reaching back and bringing those who wished to come along to improve their way of life with him as he forged up the ladder of success. Jim retired in 2008 from the Dallas Independent School District at Village Fair Alternative School. Jim had great intellect and insight which fortified him opportunities, as an entrepreneur, with this came ownership of a Williams Chicken Franchise in Corsicana, Texas, as well as Cofounder and CEO of A Place Like Home.

Where there is love there is life and Jim loved life. Jim loved his family, loved to travel, but when he relaxed, he liked to sit back and watch western movies, or listen to jazz and R & B music. He loved good foods and desserts some of his likes were, fried chicken, salmon, shrimp, German chocolate cake, and coconut crème pies. Jim believed that love was the master key that opens the gates to happiness.

It is rare for most people to find one great love, but Jim was blessed twice when he met Sandra Brownlow whom he fell in love with and married in 2009. Jim often spoke of the love and care he received from Sandra. Ever the romantic, Jim made sure Sandra knew she came first in their world.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wiley C. Beard and Willie D. Beard; one sister, Mary Louise Beard, and his loving wife, Wanda of 36 years.

He leaves to cherish fond memories with his loving and caring wife, Sandra Beard; four sons, Charles Anton (Tony) Smith (Milwaukee, WI), Korey LeDon Beard (Roanoke, TX), Khalid Lateef Beard and Jamil LaShama Beard (Dallas, TX); two special sons,  Keith (Rebecca) Rufus (DeSoto, TX) and Darrell Watson (Memphis, TN);  3 bonus sons, Deodrick (Emerald) Brownlow (Cleburne, TX), Garland Davis (Dallas, TX), Garvin (Teneka) Graves(Indiana);  1 special  daughter, Tia (John) Wesson (Magnolia, AR); one bonus daughter, Alexcia (Anthony) Chestnut (Cedar Hill, TX); 2 GRANDCHILDREN, James Lee Beard (Overland Park, KS) and Kiara (Stewart) McKinney (Dallas, Tx); 3 special grandchildren, Josh Wesson, Zachary and Zaria Rufus; 3 special great grandchildren, Paris, Jaxson and Lincoln Wesson; 3 bonus grandchildren, Jaxson, Julian, and Kiana Brownlow "(Cleburne, TX); A LOVNG SISTER, Gracie W. Tucker (Magnolia, AR); A special sister, Yvonne Jo Harris (DeSoto, TX); sister-in-law, Rose Beard (Houston, TX); mother-in-law, Lois Williams; sisters-in-law, Angela Graves (Waco, TX), Daryla (Steven) Williams, (DeSoto, TX), and Lois Graves (Red Oak, TX); brothers –in-law, Sampson Graves (Dallas, TX), Thomas Graves (Waco, TX); 2 great nieces, Monica and Cynthia Beard (Houston, TX); a special brother, Larry (Arnessa) Bennett (Little Rock, AR); 3 devoted friends, Charles (Donna)White (Cedar Hill, TX), Isaiah Lang (Dallas, TX) and Robert Cornelius (Crossett, AR) AND A MULTITUDE OF OTHER FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

"End" No! The journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path. One that we all must take."

-J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King