Johnny O. Beard

Johnny O. Beard, 87, entered into rest Tuesday, October 17, 2023. He was born in Screven County to the late Eunice and Leon Beard and has been a longtime resident of Richmond County. He worked in law enforcement serving in different departments and counties throughout his career. He was a former investigator for Richmond County Sheriff’s Department and Columbia County Sheriff’s Department, was one of the first motorcycle officers in Richmond County, was a former head of narcotics for Columbia County, and was a former Chief of Police for Harlem. Johnny was a mentor to many law enforcement officers and was well known throughout the area. He was a member of Life Center in Evans. He was a jokester and a humorous story teller. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by, a son, Danny Beard; a grandson, Joshua Beard; and two sisters, Daisy Clark and Mytris Ann Williamson.

He is survived by six children, Angela Beard Anderson (Roland) of Augusta, Patricia Beard Brock of Evans, Ricky Beard (Maxine) of Augusta, Randy Beard (Amie) of North Augusta, Andy Beard (Rebecca) of Evans, and Jeff Beard of North Augusta; granddaughter that he raised, Laila Beard of Harlem; several step children; a brother, Isaac Beard (Melanie) of Waynesboro; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held 4:00pm Friday, October 20 in the chapel of Chance & Hydrick Funeral Home in Augusta with Rev. John Ohmes officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Burial will be held 11:00am Saturday, October 21 at Bay Branch Baptist Church Cemetery in Screven County.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Richmond County Sheriff’s Department, Columbia County Sheriff’s Department, and the Harlem Police Department.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, GA   30830 (706-554-3531)

You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com.