Bennie Beard Jr

In Loving Memory of Bennie Beard Jr.
February 26, 1936 - August 6, 2026

Bennie Beard Jr. passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Heritage Crossing. He was 90 years old.

Bennie was born February 26, 1936, in Crawfordsville, Arkansas, to the late Bennie Beard Sr. and Viola (McDonald) Beard. He was the sixth of 11 children. He accepted Christ at an early age at Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, faithfully attending Sunday School and church throughout his youth.

In December 1962, Bennie moved to Cleveland, Ohio, which became his home for most of his life. He joined East Mount Zion Baptist Church under Pastor William M. Downs, where his faith and service remained central throughout his life. He taught Sunday School, served as Sunday School Superintendent in the 1990s, and served as a Deacon.

On November 17, 1973, Bennie married Irona Ferguson. They shared over five decades of love and companionship, a union blessed with two sons, Kevin Lawrence and Landis O'Bryan. Family was central to Bennie's life, and he worked to pass along the faith, wisdom, perseverance, and responsibility that guided him.

Bennie enjoyed a career of more than 30 years with Ford Motor Company at Cleveland Engine Plants 1 and 2 in Brook Park, Ohio. He worked as a computer operator and later assumed additional leadership responsibilities, including facilitating meetings and helping lead the employee suggestion program. He maintained near-perfect attendance for much of his career, reflecting his remarkable discipline and work ethic. By example, he taught his sons never to fear hard work.

Bennie lived with a servant's heart and was always willing to help others. He enjoyed nature, traveling, and bowling in numerous leagues and tournaments. He was also an author, drawing upon his experiences and Christian faith to write about race, equality, family, work, and our responsibility toward one another.

Bennie was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Clenton, Ester, Iola, Dorothy, Willie B., James, and Marie; and other beloved family members.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Irona; sons, Kevin Lawrence (Andrea) Beard and Landis O'Bryan (Deanna) Beard; grandchildren, Kayla Lindsay, Emily Lauren, Chloe Leighton, and Elliot James; sisters, Gertie Johnson (Fred) and Drucilla Young; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Bennie's life was grounded in faith, family, hard work, service, and love for others. The example he set, lessons he taught, and love he gave will live on through his family and all whose lives he touched.