MAIDEN, N.C. - Roger Murrel Beard, 81, of Maiden passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2024 from Alzheimer’s Disease at Carolina Caring in Newton.

He was born January 29, 1943 in Catawba County to the late Murrel Roosevelt Beard and Fern Hass Beard. Roger was a United States Army veteran and retired from the Army reserves after 21 years. He was an active member of St. Matthew’s Reformed Church where he served on numerous committees, but his favorite was maintaining the church’s historic cemetery. Roger graduated from Maiden High School in 1961 and worked for Winn Dixie for 46 years. He loved the outdoors, working in his garden, and trying to keep the perfect lawn. After retirement, Roger loved doing carpentry work for his family, friends, and neighbors.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Rose McCaslin; and brother-in-law, Richard McCaslin.

Those left to cherish his memory is his wife of 58 years Myrtle Hoyle Beard of the home; son Roger Mark Beard and wife Heather of Maiden; daughter Carmen Leigh Beard of Greenville, S.C.; brother John Beard and wife Patty of Newton; sister Hilda Shrum and husband A.D. of Lincolnton; sister-in-law Jane Schronce of Newton; granddaughter Autumn Beard; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Carolina Caring for their support, especially Megan, Leisha, and Misty, Roger’s night nurse on Wednesday night.

A memorial service with military honors to celebrate Roger’s life will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 1 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Reformed Church in Maiden. Rev. William Sowers will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Matthew’s Reformed Church Cemetery Fund, 4575 Maiden Hwy., Maiden, NC 28650 or Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.

Condolences may be sent to the Beard family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Beard family.