James Edward Beard

James Beard

James Edward Beard

Ed Beard, age 83, died on January 25, 2015, after a gradual decline in health over the past year. With his children at his bedside, he died peacefully at home, looking forward to being reunited in Heaven with his wife, Betty Jean, who preceded him three years earlier.

Ed was born on May 20, 1931, in York, South Carolina, the middle son of William Ernest Beard and Elma Craven Beard. He was a lifelong resident of York, refusing to live anywhere else. Born deaf, he attended the South Carolina School for the Deaf in Cedar Springs, SC. He enjoyed his years at Cedar Springs, where he was frequently caught up in mischief. He loved playing high school sports and was an excellent swimmer and diver, still able to do a beautiful 2 and a half somersault in his 40’s.

In 1955, Ed married Betty Jean Daniels of Beaufort, North Carolina. They were married for 56 years, until her death in 2011.

Ed was active in deaf societies in both North and South Carolina, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Carolina Athletic Association of the Deaf and the Rock Hill Association of the Deaf. After a stroke in 1996 left him unable to drive, he loved calling his deaf friends all over the country via video relay. His likes included Clemson football, old silent movies, woodworking, and country ham. Dislikes included oysters, pretentious people, and the Gamecocks.

Ed is survived by his five children: David (Luisa) of Concord, North Carolina, Burt (Paige) of York, South Carolina, Ann of York, South Carolina, Debbie Yelton (Dwayne) of York, South Carolina, and Rick (Kaari) of York, South Carolina. He is survived by his brother, Wayne (Peggy) of Cleveland, Ohio, while his older brother, Bill, preceded him in death. Ed had 10 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. His funeral will be at Filbert Presbyterian Church at 4 PM on Wednesday, January 27, 2015, with visitation to follow the service.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Providence Hospice and to Filbert Presbyterian Church. A special thanks to our sister, Ann Beard, who cared for both our parents in their twilight years

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Filbert Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brattonfuneralhome.com
Bratton Funeral Home in York is serving the Beard family.