Biography: Roy Beard, Junior, born the son of Roy Beard, Senior, and Lilac Gaston Beard, April 2, 1923, died on December 16, 2017. He will be reunited with his wife of over 54 years, Bonnie, who died 18 years ago. Dad was predeceased by his brother Bill, his sister-in-law Nancy, and his two dogs, Pat One and Pat Two. He is survived by his sons, Rick (Joellen) and Doug (Bobbie), five grandchildren, Sean, Christie Fortenberry, Jordan, Lauren Vandiver and Anna Coon, as well as ten great grandchildren and his nieces, Jana Shafer and Melanee Yielding. Dad was a graduate of Little Rock (Central) High School, served in the military in World War II, and while stationed in D.C. met the love of his life, Bonnie Marie Lare. The first night he met Mother, he told his friend, ?I am going to marry that girl.? On December 28, 1946, they were married. Soon after their marriage they returned to Little Rock where Dad began a lifelong career in selling electrical supplies. In 1957, Mother and Dad opened, with two other partners, All Electric Supply in the old Lee Theater at 13th and Pine where he had ushered as a teenager. After a few years Mother and Dad bought out their partners and ultimately relocated the business to its current location on Westpark Drive. The business is in its 60th year and is owned and managed by third generation, Jordan Beard, Doug?s son. Dad?s vocation was his business, his passion was his family, and his avocations were duck hunting, swimming, music, and movies. An avid duck hunter since his high school days, Dad?s greatest joy outside of his family was his time at Bull Sprig Duck Club. As a member since 1974, he spent many happy days there surrounded by his family and his two best friends, Hal Black and Jim Mecham. When not duck hunting Dad was, for over 50 years, religiously swimming at the Racquet Club and the YMCA. He once swam the equivalent distance of the English Channel. On his 80th birthday he swam over a mile from his lake house to an island in Lake Hamilton. In the 1960?s, Mother and Dad rented their first cottage on Lake Hamilton, where the family learned to water ski. In later years they bought a house on Lake Hamilton where they enjoyed their retirement years. Dad?s lifelong love of music began in his early days when he played the clarinet in the high school band. Dad could name the song, the singer, and the composer of any popular song from the Big Band Era. He would not just listen to the music, but would stand in front of the stereo and conduct the orchestra or the car radio as he drove his Cadillac. His license plate was ?DUCKS,? and many tattletales called his sons with tales of his speeding down Mississippi. Movies were another area of Dad?s personal expertise. He could tell you all of the details of any popular movie from the 1930?s, 1940?s, 1950?s, or 1960?s! But no one, including Dad, could accurately recall how many times he had seen his favorite movie, Inherit the Wind. Estimates range from five to in excess of a dozen. The consummate salesman, Dad taught every male member of the family to always look people in the eye, offer a firm handshake, and call them by name! As one of Dad?s friends remarked, ?Roy Beard was the only man enthusiastic about taking out the trash.? A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in Oakland Cemetery, 2101 Barber Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72206. Visitation following the service will be at the home of Joellen and Rick Beard. The family asks that memorials be made to: CARE for Animals, 5516 Kavanaugh Blvd. LR, AR 72207, or Pulaski County Humane Society, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, LR, AR 72210. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com