MAIDEN, N.C. - Loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Carl Richard Beard, 93, of Maiden, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

Born on April 29, 1931 in Catawba County, he was the son of the Late Fred Lee Beard and Christina Finger Beard. Carl was a charter member of Mt. Anderson Baptist Church, where he served in numerous roles, including Sunday School Director, Custodian, RA Leader, and Deacon. He was also a dedicated member of the Maiden Rescue Squad for over 45 years and was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2016 by Governor Pat McCrory for his many years of community service.

Carl had a lifelong passion for raising poultry and worked at the N.C. State Fair for 63 years, where he was named Superintendent of the Year in 2012. In 2007, he was inducted into the American Poultry Association Hall of Fame as a Master Breeder and Exhibitor. Beyond poultry, Carl was a member of the Catawba Valley Cattleman's Association and was named Cattleman of the Year in 2005.

In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Cleo Beard; grandson, Zachary Beard; four brothers, Clyde, Glen, Bill, and Rob Beard; and five sisters, Edith Pirkle, Rosa Poovey, Dorothy Lazenby, Louise Davis, and Mary Emmett.

He is survived by his daughter Ronda B. Reinhardt, of Conover; three sons Donald Beard and wife Cheryl of Maiden; Tim Beard and wife Bobbi of Catawba, David Beard of Newton; two sisters Betty Willis of Maiden, Ruth Cansler and husband Vernon of Maiden; two sisters-in-law Lily Beard of Maiden, and Maenell Poston and husband Fletus of Newton; brother-in-law Wayne Caldwell of Claremont; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service was held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Mount Anderson Baptist Church in Maiden, with Rev. Donald Cline and Rev. Charles Ingle officiating.

Burial followed in the church cemetery.

The family received friends prior to the service from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church.

Serving as Pallbearers were Benjamin Reinhardt, Andrew Reinhardt, Matthew Beard, Cody Freeman, Hank Houston and Jessica Beard.

Memorials may be made to Gideon's International or Carolina Caring.

Visit www.burkemortuary.com to register your condolences.

Burke Mortuary of Maiden, N.C. is serving the Beard family.