Floyd Delos Beard, 78, of Prospect, passed away at 11:37 a.m. on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at his home with his wife and children at his side. Born in Moweaqua, Ill. on July 18, 1937 to Elias Greely Beard and Mildred Naomi (Scarlette) Beard, he was the oldest of their four children.

Floyd served in the U.S. Air Force beginning in February 1955 and was honorably discharged in December 1958.

In 1959, Floyd married Patricia Ann Watson in Stonington, Ill.

He attended Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Ill., Richland Community College in Decatur, Ill., Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky., and, during his retirement, TTBC Bible Institute, graduating with High Honors.

Floyd’s professional career included a career in healthcare management culminating as President/CEO and principal shareholder of Home Recovery of Virginia, Inc., based in Farmville.

During Floyd’s very busy life, he always remained devoted to spreading the Gospel of Jesus and serving his community.  He served as deacon, chair of board of deacons, lay minister, counselor, choir member and Sunday-school teacher.  He was a member of Thomas Terrace Baptist Church, Lynchburg.  His faith and family were the center of his life.

He was active with the Gideons International (Past President), Farmville Lions Club (Past President), and has served on the Board of Directors of the Farmville Area Free Health Clinic.

Floyd and Pat served as foster parents for 17 children.  Floyd had been honored as a Kentucky Colonel and was an honorary member of the Virginia National Guard Cavalry.

He loved sports, especially the University of Illinois Fighting Illini and the St. Louis Cardinals.  He was an athlete and coach in his younger years and, later in life, enjoyed his horses, working around their country home, and visiting the neighbors.  He tinkered with his 1928 Model A Ford and his Chrysler LeBaron Convertible.

Most of all, he loved spending time with his kids and grandkids.  The family pool was the hub for family get-togethers and proved to be one of the best investments Floyd made.  He loved barbecuing with all the kids at poolside on a hot summer day.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Kenneth Lamon.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia; his brother, Russell (Vicky) Beard of Taylorville, Ill.; his sisters, Millie Lunik and Scarlett Colbrook both of Stonington, Ill.; and his children, Dennis (Danda) Beard of Champaign, Ill., Julie (Eugene) Maxie of Farmville, Jeffrey (Lisa) Beard of Powhatan, and Tanya Lamon (Shannon Lucy) of Farmville.  Also surviving are his seven grandchildren, Derrick, Joseph, Jennifer, Garret, Andrew, Jordan, and Brittney and his foster daughter, Becky (Mike) Turner of Lockport, Ill.

Donations may be made to Gideons International, 2900 Lebanon Road, Nashville, TN 37214  www.gideons.org.   

A Celebration of Floyd’s life is planned for 5 p.m., Thursday, January 14 at Thomas Terrace Baptist Church, Lynchburg.   A fellowship meal will follow the service. Robinson Funeral Home, Appomattox, is serving the family.