Tom was born on April 6, 1936 in Austin, Texas to Clyde Beard and Jewell Ringstaff-Beard. He grew up in the Bull Creek area of the Hill Country near Austin and graduated from McCallum High School in 1955. His father and mother were hard working people and passed this ethic on to their two sons. Tom, in turn passed this value on to his children, Mike and Tina. He was a good provider to his family. He took great pleasure in grooming his yard and adding "extras" to his home. He was a valued employee who began his career in the automotive paint and body business and remained involved in it for over 57 years. He took exceptional care of his customers and was greatly respected by them. He drove countless miles in south-central and west Texas, establishing life-long relationships along the way. He served one, if not more families through three generations.
Tom had a passion for antiques. He looked forward to getting a bargain and striking a deal. Throughout the years he enjoyed Friday nights at Longhorn Speedway, Saturday afternoons cheering on his college football favorites: the Texas Longhorns, the Oregon Ducks and the LSU Tigers, and on Sunday afternoons Nascar was King! It was always a treat when he fired up his barbeque pit. In the early years, he enjoyed fishing around Comfort and Toledo Bend in east Texas. He made the occasional road trip to Vegas, loved old western movies, Louis L'Amour books and Bluegrass music.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Jewell Beard, his brother, Ted Beard and Tom's companion of 15+ years, Louise Maddox. He is survived by his son Mike Beard, daughter-in-law Jodi and daughter Tina Cloud.
Visitation:
Mon., June 29, 2015, 9:00am-10:00am
Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home
3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX
Graveside services:
Mon., June 29, 2015, 11:00am
Oakwood Cemetery
Austin, TX
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc. or the American Cancer Society.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIOCOMPARTA
v.1.17.0