Dr. Joseph Roderick Beard died Monday, Aug. 9, 2010 at Anderson Place Nursing Center.

He was born July 2, 1923, son of Alice Lee Smith and Joseph Roderick Beard of Cornelius, N.C.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at Young Memorial ARP Church in Anderson, conducted by Dr. Randall Ruble. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

A family graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 15 at Huntersville ARP Church, Huntersville, NC.

A member of Young Memorial ARP Church in Anderson since 1948, Dr. Beard served as deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, and as choir director for 35 years. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army and during the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Navy.

Community involvement included a term as President of The Anderson Symphony in its early years and concert master for many years. Sharing his love of music and violin with his family and friends brought him great joy.

A graduate and former Board of Trustees member of Erskine College, Dr. Beard was a recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Service Award given yearly to an alumnus or friend of the college.

Upon graduating from the University of Maryland Dental School, Dr. Beard practiced dentistry in Anderson for 52 years. He served his profession loyally as Editor in Chief of S.C. Dental Journal, was a member and Chairman of S.C. Board of Dental Examiners, served on the National Board of Dental Examiners, and was instrumental in bringing a dental school to South Carolina in the 60’s while serving on the SCDA Education Committee. He held memberships in professional organizations and honor societies, including The American and International Colleges of Dentists.

Dr. Beard is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Margaret Ann Dusenberry Beard, of Anderson Place, six children, Ellen Beard Martin (Skeet), Ann Beard Shahid (Ron), Cherrie Beard Sneed (Dan), Ruth Beard Boetsch (Gary), Joseph Roderick Beard Jr. (Julie), and June Beard Copeland (Brent); a sister, Peggy Beard Murdock (Bob); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was lovingly known to his eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren as Papa Joe. Grandchildren include, Will Sneed (Jill), Page Mathias (Greg), Louis Martin (Janell), Eric Boetsch (Kelley), John Boetsch, (Catherine), Daniel Shahid, Brent Copeland, and Maisie Copeland.

He was preceded in death by his grandchildren, John Meador Sneed and Laurel Marie Copeland.

The family is grateful to the dedicated staff at Anderson Place Nursing Center and Interim Hospice for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Young Memorial ARP Church, 508 Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621; or MUSC Foundation; John Meador Sneed Memorial Dental Scholarship Fund, 18 Bee St. Charleston, SC 29425.

A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com