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1983 Samuel 2022

Samuel Beard, Jr.

July 15, 1983 — August 8, 2022

Samuel Benson Beard Jr. passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on August 8, 2022, at age 39. His body and mind that were once so restricted have been set free.

Known as "Sammy," there were things that he could not do. He could not walk. He could not do many things other people take for granted every day. When some people looked at him, that is what they saw - the things he could not do. But that is not who he was. Sammy was a joyful person who never lost his childlike love of life and greeted every person with a smile.

He could talk; our "mouth of the south." He could smile. He could laugh. He could feel unbridled happiness. He could love without condition. Not everyone has those abilities. He inspired others to try harder. By seeing him work hard to overcome his own challenges, it reminded others to work harder as well. He helped teach us about our own strengths and gifts in this way. He also taught us how to be happy because he took joy in simple things - joy in seeing his family and friends. Joy in Special Olympics. Joy in music and church.

Special heartfelt thanks to Cahaba Mental Health/Group Home and the many who loved Sammy and cared for him for the past 18 years. It took a lot of love, patience and dedication to care for his needs day after day. To nurture someone so completely, and to do it for so long, takes a dedication and depth of love that is hard to comprehend for those who have not done it. It is genuinely loving without condition, and it is the most beautiful and pure example of love that exists. They were his extended family and he loved them.

Sammy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ferrell and Darlene Beard and parents, Sam Beard and Lynn Guthrie.

Surviving are his sister, Renee Dobbins and brothers Jonathan Beard and John Guthrie along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be missed but is now at peace, embraced by God and reunited in the arms of his heavenly family.

His earthly family will greet friends from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, from the Chapel of Selma Funeral Home in Valley Grande with funeral services following at 11:00 am with Pastor Michael Beard Sr. officiating.

Interment will follow where Sammy will be buried next to his grandparents in Pineview Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Robert McCloud, Jon Beard, Christopher Beard, Christian Beard, Mike Beard Jr., and Jeremy Beard.

Honorary Pall Bearers will be John Guthrie and Chad Womack.

Final care and arrangements have been faithfully entrusted to the care of Selma Funeral Home. Cemetery Details Pineview Memory Gardens 5171 Alabama Highway 22 East Valley Grande, AL 36701 https://www.selmafuneralhome.com/ Loading map Previous Events Funeral Service AUG 10 (CT) The Chapel of Selma Funeral Home 5171 AL Hwy 22 East
Selma Valley Grande, AL 36701 Loading map
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