Thomas "Tom" Beard

Wednesday, January 8, 1947 - Saturday, June 29, 2024

Thomas “Tom” Beard, 77, passed from this life to a new life on Saturday, June 29, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb with Rev. Johnny Strickland officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. 

Flowers will be accepted or contributions may be made in Tom’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org. 

Tom was born on January 8, 1947, to the late Donald H. and Margaret Trusty Beard and was raised in Dancyville, TN.  Tom earned both a Bachelors & Master’s degree in Architectural and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tennessee at Martin.  Throughout his life, Tom worked as a technical college professor for eight years, co-owned a roofing company for several years, was a mechanic in the food industry, and even owned a lawn care business. He also enjoyed many hobbies. Tom married Gloria “Judy” Strickland on September 25, 1998 and enjoyed over 25 happy years together. 

In addition to his parents, one brother, Donald Beard preceded him in death. 

Survivors include his loving wife, Judy Beard; son, Mark Beard (Teresa); daughter, Lisa Baine (Steve); step-sons: David Smith and Caleb Smith; grandchildren: Alex Beard, Mason Beard, Dylan Harty (Emma), Stephen Baine (Savannah), Kasey Brown (Will), and Kayli Adams (James); great grandchildren: Secily Beard, Carmen Beard, Trey Baine, Weston Weeks, and Wyatt Churchwell; sister, Virginia Ann Walker (June); several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.