Obituary: Hillard Lee “Buddy” Beard
November 23, 1936 – January 24, 2025
La Grange-Hillard Lee “Buddy” Beard, 88, peacefully passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025 in the comfort of his own home while surrounded by his loving family. Buddy was born in Lenoir County to the late Joseph Wyatt Beard and Julia Tiffany Hill Beard on November 23, 1936.
As co-owner of Beard’s Service Center, Beard’s Auto Parts, Beard’s Apartments, and Beard’s Wrecker Service, Buddy was a hardworking entrepreneur in whom many placed their trust for nearly 50 years. Knowledgeable in his line of work, Buddy was the go-to service technician for many in the Kinston area.
With a great love of NASCAR, Buddy spent many hours watching races and cheering for his favorite driver, Bobby Allison. A great highlight for Buddy’s work included a chance to work on Allison’s racecar when he brought it to Beard’s Service Center. Buddy spent much time in the driver’s seat himself, racing at the Kinston Drag Strip along with his wife, Mary.
A fervent Tar Heel fan, Buddy pulled for the UNC basketball team with all his might. A loyal supporter of his team, he and his family enjoyed many games through the years, cheering the Tar Heels on from the fourth row in the Dean Dome.
Around home, Buddy could be found focused on whatever Western was playing. Likely able to recite many of them from memory, he enjoyed every Western that came on television and kept tuned in to the Western Channel any time he could.
Buddy was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Kinston for many years. A strong provider for his family, he was strict but fair, and always believed in doing things the right way—his way.
A service of love and remembrance will be held at Rouse Funeral Home at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025 with Pastor Ron Fletcher officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. A private committal will be held at Westview Cemetery.
Buddy is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Mary Elizabeth Barnett Beard; daughter, Tammy Beard Kennedy and husband, Red; son, Mark Lee Beard; grandchildren, Dr. Whitney Kennedy Clifton and husband, James, Dr. Hillari Kennedy Webb and husband, Sam, Seth Michael Beard, Caleb West Beard and wife, Isabella Bedoya Herrera Beard, and Luke Christopher Beard and wife, Fernanda; great-grandchildren, Julian Hillard Clifton, William Augustus Clifton, Winter Ozell Webb, along with two soon-to-arrive great-grandchildren; brother, Ray Wyatt Beard and wife, Geneva; sister, Connie Jo Beard Heath; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange
