Jeffrey Beard

Jeffrey Langston Beard of Germantown, TN left this life in the early hours of 6/20/2015. Jeff was a Husband, Father, Friend, Nurse, Firefighter/Paramedic and a “First Responder” in all things. We have lost a good man. He was but 44 years old.

18 months after being diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) these were Jeff’s words:

“ I want to take a minute to let you know where I stand and how I feel about my failing health. We have known since the very beginning that I don't want to live life by artificial means. That includes pacers, pumps, ventilators, etc...being stuck in a bed, unable to move, listening to the sound a ventilator makes, no thank you. I have a little mantra I say every morning "I may be dying but I'm not dying today"! I have been given a test and a challenge by life and I try to face each day with a positive attitude, strength, courage, and love because it would be easier to feel depressed, angry, negative, or full of self pity, but that's not me. There is something liberating when you are able to accept your fate, it allows you to see with a sense of clarity what's important and what's not. I look back on my life and I have no regrets! When I was a soldier, I was the best I could be. When I was a mover, I was the best I could be. When I was a graphic artist, I was the best I could be. When I was a FF/Paramedic/RN, I was the best I could be. I have done some very cool things in life but nothing compares to being married to Kristen, being the daddy to my 3 kids, and being part of our wonderful family. As my physical body fails I feel my spirit gain strength and that gives me a profound sense of peace. I'm not afraid of dying because it's a natural part of life and I find peace in that as well.”

Jeff was very proud of his family, wife Kristen Anglin Beard, his daughter Noelle (17), son Nicolas (17), and daughter Daeli (8). Jeff also loved his entire extended family, expensive beer, family day each Sunday, the Washington Redskins, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, most movies and many nature publications from National Geographic to Playboy.

Jeff was forever inquisitive and a natural teacher. He was dedicated to the service of his fellow man. After returning from the Army where he was stationed in Korea for several years, he went to work for Cooper Moving then on the St. Jude where his interest in the medical field emerged. He went on to become an EMT then a Paramedic, which helped him to become a Bartlett Firefighter, and member of the Methodist Emergency Room Triage Unit. While working those 2 jobs full time he pursued and earned a Nursing degree which allowed him to expand his service at both the fire department and hospital. Jeff also worked as a flight medic with the Hospital Wing and as a graphic artist.

With the constant in home care of his loving wife supported by his children he lived as comfortable and productive a life as possible and outlived the medical expert’s prediction by almost a year. Jeff was also encouraged by the support of all his family, friends and from all who knew him. He had no enemies and a legion of loyal loving friends.

Jeff was the son of Tom Beard of Collierville and Susan Perrell of Cordova, stepson of Helen Beard, grandson of Billie and the late Charles Beard , and the late Robert and Ann Perrell, brother to Tommy and wife, Kami Beard, Michael Beard, Rodney Fair and Ricky Fair, son-in-law of Jim and Sussy Anglin and brother-in-law to Brad and Kelly Long and Chad and Scotti Anglin. His passing is mourned by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held Friday 6/26/2015 from 6 -8PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. Family, co-workers and friends are invited to attend.

Donations can be made to ALS Assoc. TN Chapter P.O. Box 40244 Nashville, TN 37204-0244 or Beard Children College Fund (Acct. # 226675) at First Citizen’s Bank Collierville, Tn.