RAYMOND EARL BEARD JR.
Jan. 3, 1947-Oct. 20, 2017
Raymond Earl Beard Jr., 70, went to be with the Lord on Oct. 20, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.
Raymond was born in Wayne County on Jan. 3, 1947, to the late Raymond Earl Beard Sr. and Lizzie Mae Adams Beard Pace.
Raymond was an active member of the Lord's Table Church, where he was a deacon and served as one of the captains on the usher's team. He enjoyed attending and helping with the 55-plus group, cooking at the yearly Fall Fest and any needs of the church. His faith in Jesus Christ grounded him, and his prayer life and time spent with the Lord sustained him. Raymond was a man who believed that it is more blessed to give than to receive. It was a joy for him to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, young and old.
Raymond enjoyed hunting and fishing in his earlier years. However, playing golf was his favorite, mostly for the fellowship it provided. His grandsons, Austin and Mason, had his heart. He rarely missed watching them play the sports they loved, cheering them on at games and simply being "Grandpa."
Raymond was a 1965 graduate of Goldsboro High School and attended Oak Ridge Military Academy. He joined the United States Army where he began his dental technology career and received his associate's degree in applied science dental laboratory technology and was a certified dental technician since 1974. Raymond owned and operated Beard's Enterprise since 1971 and served in the dental technology industry for 46 years. He served and made great strides at the state, regional and national level because of his passion and dedication to the dental industry.
Raymond was past president of the National Association of Dental Laboratories, served two terms as president of the N.C. Dental Laboratories and was past president of the Southeastern Conference of Dental Laboratories. During his volunteer career, he served as district councilman treasurer of the National Association of Dental Laboratories and later served as a trustee and past chairman for the National Board for Certification. His efforts were recognized by receiving The "NCDLA Merit Award" and "Man of the Year Award." Nationally, he was recognized by the NADL Hall of Fame Award for his lifelong contributions to the industry.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a service to celebrate Raymond's life at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home. They will also greet friends Tuesday following the service. Entombment will be Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, at 11 a.m. in Wayne Memorial Park, with military honors.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna Kearney Beard; his daughter, Regina Beard Robinson; son-in-law, Jimmy Robinson; and grandsons, Austin Robinson and Mason Robinson of Winterville.
He is also survived by three stepbrothers, James Pace, Robert Pace and wife, Lisa, and Randy Pace. In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his stepfather, James F. Pace.
Raymond's family would like to thank Vidant Home Health and Hospice, as well as all their family and friends who have provided support, care, prayers, and love during his battle with ALS.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ALS Association, 4 N. Blount St., Suite 200, Raleigh, N.C., 27601 or the Lord's Table Church, P.O. Box 11049, Goldsboro, N.C., 27532, in his memory.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on October 22, 2017 1:46 AM