Funeral services for Jackie Beard will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at the Big Cane Baptist Church with Bro. Benji Richard officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Hixson-Ducote Funeral Home of Bunkie.

Mr. Beard, age 91 of Big Cane, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at the Rapides Regional Medical Center.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Jack Isaiah and Evelyn Laura McNicoll Beard; and sister, Ouida Beard Soileau.

Survivors include his loving wife of 70 years, Billie Ann Fogleman Beard; his sons, Denis Stuart Beard (Denise), Lane Buren Beard (Sylvia), Hals Bridger Beard (Tracy) and Willard Wade Beard (Elizabeth); a brother, David John Beard (Marlene); his grandchildren, Misty Conley (Brad), Megan Beebe (Chad), Danielle Newsom (Aaron), Amanda May (Preston), Heidi Richard (Kris), Joshua Stuart Beard (Dusti), Lauren Emerson (J.T.), Cody Beard, Maggie Beard, Benjamin Beard, and Charles Beard; and 22 great-grandchildren.

Jackie was a retired educator, administrator, and basketball coach.  He was a pipefitter by trade and enjoyed working on jobs with friends for many years through the Pipefitter's Union Local #198 of Baton Rouge.  Jackie served as a member of the St. Landry School Board during the years of consolidation in which time North Central High School was built.  He was a long-time member of Big Cane Baptist church where he served many years as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.  He was a member of Orphans Friend Lodge #185 in Morrow, LA for over 50 years.   Jackie was a long-time member of the Eunice Camp of the Gideon's International.  As a Gideon, he always enjoyed giving New Testament Bibles to the 5th graders in North St. Landry Parish.

Jackie enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially hunting with dogs while riding horseback in his early years.  His greatest joy was spending time with his wife of 70 years, Billie Ann.  He loved seeing her smile and hearing her laughter.  Jackie enjoyed cooking for the family.  He would spend hours cooking gumbo or BBQ for family gatherings.  During these last years, he especially enjoyed cooking for Billie Ann.  He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was always proud to see them and hear about their lives and accomplishments.  Jackie loved to visit and reminisce with family and friends.  He was a great storyteller and loved to entertain family and friends with stories from his days of coaching, hunting and family traditions.

Jackie held no judgement of others, accepting all, no matter creed or status.  He accepted Christ into his life at a young age and walked in faith throughout his life.  He lived according to Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all the ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."  He is now in heaven for eternity.  Jackie was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.

Pallbearers will include: Joshua Stuart Beard, Benjamin Beard, Charles Beard, Chad Beebe, Louis Fogleman and Brent Socia.  Honorary pallbearers are Cody Beard and Maggie Beard.

Friends may visit on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. at the Big Cane Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to The Gideons International at www.gideons.org/donate

Online condolences may be sent to www.hixson-ducote.com