Ralph Beard, Jr.

Ralph Beard, Jr, 80, retired employee of Rippey Auto Parts and resident of Columbia, died Monday, August 30, 2021 at Maury Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 4:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Reverend Anthony Muston officiating. Burial will follow in Adkison Cemetery with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 2:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born July 30, 1941 in Maury County, he was the son of the late Ralph Beard, Sr. and the late Jennie Mae Shouse Beard. On June 17, 1967, he married Helen Jane “Janie” Marlin Beard who preceded him in death June 16, 2005. He was a 1959 graduate of Columbia Central High School and served in the United States Army from 1963-1965. Mr. Beard was a member of Knob Creek Baptist Church, National Rifle Association, and lifetime member of American Legion. Survivors include his sisters, Helen Green of Culleoka; Juanita (Bill) Smith of Columbia; brother, Tommy (Marilyn) Beard of Columbia; nieces and nephews, Angie (Steve) Jones of Culleoka; Caleb (Suzanne) Beard of Columbia; Elizabeth (Luke) Jones of Eagleville; Aftan (Scotty) Faulkner of Columbia; Michael (Chrissie) Smith of Columbia; and several great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Ralph Beard; and brother-in-law, Gilbert Green. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.