Thomas Richard Beard, 90, of Greensboro, NC died September 21, 2023, at Well Spring Retirement Community, Greensboro.
Tom was born in Greensboro on October 2, 1932, to the late Ernest Neilson Beard Jr. and Alma Smith Beard.
He is survived by the love of his life, Nancy Cridlebaugh Beard, wife of 65 years; children Anne Beard Krahnert (John), T. Richard Beard Jr. (Susan), and John S. Beard (Sarah); grandchildren John Krahnert III (Cara), Lauren Stone (Darrell), Thomas Beard III (Rory), Mary Grace Beard, and John Beard Jr.; and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Hugh Beard, Cyrus Beard, and Neilson Beard III.
Tom was a proud graduate of Christ School in Arden, NC. He attended Davidson College and graduated from Bowling Green Business University (now WKU). He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1956.
After the Army, Tom joined his father in the hardwood lumber business. Upon his father’s retirement, Tom created one of the most respected hardwood lumber wholesale companies in the world — Beard Hardwoods, Inc. Tom was a pioneer in introducing Tulip Poplar to the export market in the late 1970s and built his company into a top US exporter to the Asian furniture industry.
Tom was a devoted servant leader, a passion he shared with his children and grandchildren. He faithfully served First Presbyterian Church as a deacon and an elder. He took great pleasure singing in the church’s choir for more than 30 years. He also made a concerted effort to give back to Christ School, which he credits for developing his love of music and work ethic, serving many years on the school’s Board of Trustees.
Tom loved Greensboro and giving back to his hometown. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Greensboro and Greensboro Country Club. He also served on the board of the River Landing retirement community. He was committed to making Greensboro a better place for generations to come.
Tom also served on many industry boards, including the National Hardwood Lumber Association, Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., North Carolina Forestry Association, North Carolina Export Council and North Carolina Ports Advisory.
Tom’s favorite hobby was meeting people. He never met a stranger. He loved golf and was very proud of the hole in one he made when he was 72. He especially loved playing golf with his sons, grandsons and son-in-law. The Belvedere Open will never be the same!
Tom was most proud of his family, with whom he loved spending time at their beloved home in Oak Island. The family will always cherish the memories made there.
The family would like to express its gratitude for the wonderful staff at Well Spring Retirement Community, especially those in the Skilled Care Unit who treated Tom and his family as one of their own.
A celebration of life was held on Sunday October 1, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, NC.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the organizations that Tom was so passionate about.
