Raymond Ruskin Beard Jr.

Raymond R. Beard, Jr., 85, passed away in his home in White Mountain Lake on August 23, 2013. He was born September 4, 1927 in Antofagasta, Chile, to American parents Raymond R. Beard, Sr. and Guenn Muriel Houck Beard. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 51 years, Gene Ann Dickson Beard; and their son Ruskin Scott Beard. Ray proudly served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II on the destroyer the U.S.S. Beatty. After his military service he attended and graduated from the University of Arizona with a business degree. Ray used his business acumen to open and successfully run an office supply store in Tempe. He enjoyed hiking, the outdoors, gardening, bird watching, woodworking, and spent many happy hours with his beloved pets. Ray is survived by his daughters Meredith L. Beard, D.V.M. of Show Low; Pamela G. Swafford (Ken) of Lakeside; Christine D. Wilson (Jim) of Flagstaff; and grandchildren Katrina A. Beard, Brittni L. Swafford, Kendall S. Swafford, and Elizabeth M. Wilson. Private services were held by the family. Donations may be made to Hospice Compassus or the Humane Society of the White Mountains in Lakeside.