Jack T. Beard

Just imagine his expression when, after years of blindness, Pappy looked up and saw the face of his Lord and Savior and the words “Welcome home, son” fell upon no longer deafened ears. Although his earthly voice has now grown silent, there is no doubt he was singing with the angels as he entered the gates of Heaven on Saturday, August 23, 2014, surrounded by family and friends. Services for Jack “Pappy” Beard will be held on Wednesday, August 27th, 2014, at 10:30 AM at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home, with Dr. Jay Lockhart & Bro. Sherman Mayfield officiating, with Visitation 6-8PM Tuesday at the Funeral Home.

Jack Trafford Beard was born on December 20, 1914, to Minor Moses and Suda Clymer Beard, in Chandler, Texas, and was the middle child of 3 brothers and 1 sister. He grew up in the Martin Springs Community south of Chandler and graduated from Brownsboro High School, going on to attend Henderson County Junior College.

After serving in the Army in the 36th Texas Division as a medic in France, Italy, North Africa and Germany during World War II and receiving the Purple Heart among other medals and honors, Jack went on to become an accomplished home builder. He married his lifelong friend, Zeffie Elner Worsham, in 1945 and in the following years, they welcomed a son and a daughter. He was a member of Whitehouse Church of Christ. Pappy had a green thumb and could always be found planting, pulling weeds or just ‘playing in the dirt’, providing tomatoes, peas, squash and other produce for the entire family and all his friends. Although his sight prevented him from gardening in his latter years, we have faith he is already plowing up his fall patch in Heaven and it will be a harvest fit for the King!

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Tom, Pat and Bruce and his sister, Murl Stokes. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Zeffie Beard of Chandler, his son and daughter-in-law, James and Cindy Beard of Whitehouse, his daughter and son-in-law, Betty and David Hubbard of Chandler, four grandchildren, Tennille Gentry and husband Chad, James Jack Hubbard and wife Lis, Cody Beard and Austin James Hubbard, step-granddaughter, Lauri Dillman, 3 great-grandchildren, Grant, Scarlett and Garrett Gentry, step-great-granddaughter, Lissie Malcolm, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Burial will be in the Veteran’s section of Tyler Memorial Park cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whitehouse Church of Christ Building Fund, 201 Hwy 110 S, Whitehouse, TX 75791, Hospice of East Texas 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701 or Texas Wounded Warrior 4301 Fillbrook Ln, Tyler, TX 75707.