Kevin Darrell Beard

Kevin Darrell Beard passed away on November 21, 2022 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis at the age of 58. He was born in Tupelo, MS on August 11, 1964 to Darrell and Betty Beard. Kevin graduated from Freed Hardeman College (now University) in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He then attended school to become a medical technologist and worked in a hospital lab for three years, but he would find his passion when he attended the Memphis School of Preaching. After graduating in 1992, he served congregations in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Alabama for the next 30 years, preaching and teaching and influencing the lives of many. Although he would eventually return to the lab, he never gave up on his love for teaching God’s word. On August 30, 1986, Kevin married Jan Richey. Over their 36 years of marriage, they raised three boys—Jonathan, Justin, and Jeremy—and one daughter, Emma. Kevin enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals baseball and the University of Alabama football, but his children, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren were his greatest enjoyment in life. He is survived by his wife Jan; his children, Jonathan (Kathleen) of Nashville, Justin (Heather) of Union City, Jeremy ( MacKenzie) of Nashville, and Emma of Brighton; his grandchildren, Walter, Sam, Nora, and Charlotte; his mother Betty Beard of Tupelo; his brother Jeff Beard of Jackson; and his sister Eileen Beard of Nashville. He is preceded in death by his father, Darrell Beard (d. 2017); his sister Deena Sadler (d. 2017); and his grandparents. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23 at the Covington Church of Christ. Private interment will take place at Lee Memorial Park in Tupelo. The family will receive friends beginning at noon and until service time at 3 p.m. at the church.