Johnny L. Beard 

Published 8:25 am Tuesday, March 25, 2025

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Johnny L. Beard, 71, of Hazlehurst, was born on Aug. 28, 1953, to Jesse Beard and Catherine Howard Beard. Mr. Beard died on March 20, 2025, at St. Dominic’s Medical Center in Jackson, Miss. 

Mr. Beard owned his own business for 40 years. He lived in the river parishes of Louisiana for 30 years before settling back home to Mississippi. He loved restoring and owning old cars. He also enjoyed traveling, playing golf, fishing and crabbing. He served on the board of directors for River Parish Credit Union. Mr. Beard was a member of Smyrna Baptist church. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Francis McElveen.

He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Denise Beard; son, Shane Beard; brother, Jesse Beard; sister, Evelyn Delaughter; four grandchildren, Maddi Beard, Austin Burns, Jakob Lea, and Tucker Lea; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and by his faith family at Smyrna Baptist Church. 

In lieu of flowers you may make memorial donations to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231 or Smyrna Baptist Church.

A memorial service may follow at a later date. Condolences and other information are available online at www.riverwoodfamily.com.