Harry Jefferson Beard, 93, died peacefully at home on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Harry was born on July 5, 1932, in Staunton, Va., to Anna Ruth Aldhizer Beard and Edward Sidney Beard. He graduated from Wilson Memorial High School in 1951, where he proudly served as a captain of the football team and fondly recalled those years throughout his life. Harry continued his football career at Virginia Tech until an injury during his freshman year redirected his path. Guided by a lifelong love of farming and animals, he majored in Animal Husbandry and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1956.

Following graduation, Harry served his country as a lieutenant in the United States Air Force. After completing flight school, he flew T-28 and T-33 aircraft. He was stationed overseas in Bitburg and Birkenfeld, Germany, where he served as a radar and weapons controller.

After his military service, Harry worked in poultry sciences, but his true calling emerged in 1969 when he began a distinguished career as a social worker with the Iredell County Department of Social Services. Over the years, he served in adult care, foster care and adoptions, and played a key role in developing the Jobs Opportunities and Basic Skills program. In recognition of his dedication and impact, he was named North Carolina Social Worker of the Year in 1987. He retired in 1994 as a supervisor.

Harry was a former member of the City of Progress Lions Club in Statesville and after his retirement was a dedicated volunteer with Iredell-Statesville Schools, where he was honored as a Volunteer of the Year in 2005-2006. He enjoyed many hobbies, including gardening, beekeeping, and birdwatching, and was a gifted woodworker who crafted furniture and dulcimers for family and friends.

He accepted Christ at a young age, and his faith became the foundation of his life. For more than 60 years, Harry was a devoted member of Western Avenue Baptist Church, serving as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and on numerous committees. It was through the church choir that he met his wife, Margaret Brewer Beard. They shared 51 years of marriage.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Harry was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Nelson Cooper; his great-grandson, Adler Cooper; his brothers, Boyd Miller, Lucius Beard, Edward Beard, and Robert Beard; and his sister Martha Beard.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Ann Beard Cooper; his grandson, Jefferson Cooper, and wife Erin; his granddaughter, Bailey Hanson, and husband Matt; his great-granddaughter, Nelle Cooper; and his sister Margaret Coffey, and husband Kenneth.

Harry will be remembered for his wisdom, generosity, kindness, and quiet strength, and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Western Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Andy Lackey officiating. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Iredell Memorial Gardens.

Memorials can be made to Western Avenue Baptist Church, 1206 Museum Road, Statesville NC 28625.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the Beard family.