Edward "Eddie" Beard, Jr., 66, of Madisonville, KY passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville.

He was born on August 27, 1955, in Madisonville, KY, to the late Mildred Cunningham Crabtree and Edward F. Beard, Sr. Eddie was a proud veteran of the United States Navy where he served on the JFK aircraft carrier #67 for four years from April 1974 until April 1978. He loved to cook with love, bowling, fishing, and hunting. His biggest joy was spending time with his family. He was an active member of the Church of the Nazarene. Eddie was a great loving husband, father, Papaw, brother, and friend.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Charles Crabtree; and his brother, Willie Baird.

Survivors include his wife of forty-five years, Cherl Beard of Madisonville; sons, Johnny (Amy) Beard of Madisonville and Brian Beard of White Plains, KY; daughter, Alisha Beard of Madisonville; sisters, Crinnia (David) Cartwright, Darlene (Bill) Jones, Tammy (Brian) Parker, all of Madisonville and Rena (Mark) Nash of Jacksonville, NC; Greg (Jeanene) Beard of Broomfield, CO and Frank (Shannon) Baird, Sr. of Barstow, CA; grandchildren, Noah Hamby, Kaylee Hamby, Gavin Beard, Maddy Beard, and Brodie Beard; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 26, 2022, in the chapel of Harris Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Bradshaw officiating and assisted by Bro. Billy Jones. Military Honors will be performed by the Hopkins County Honor Guard. Burial to follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. until the funeral hour on Friday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Billy Cartwright, Billy Jones, Basil Jones, Brent Parker, Kaden Phelps, and Frank Baird. Honorary pallbearer is Tristan Phelps.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.harrisfuneralinc.com