James Lee Beard, 74, of Fayetteville, passed away on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Highsmith-Rainey Hospital after and extended illness.

James was born on December 2, 1947, in Cumberland County to the late Jasper Lee Beard and Beulah Spell Beard. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired Lieutenant with the Bonnie Doone Station #9 Fire Department.

James was a loving husband, father, papa and friend to all who knew him, and will be missed dearly.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Woodrow Beard.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Beverly S. Beard; son, James Lee Beard, Jr.; daughter, Jennifer Beard Sanders and husband Kelvin; sister-in-law, Joyce Beard; grandchildren, Kayla, Kayden and Kelvin Sanders; great granddaughter, Ava Curtis Sanders; nephews, Glenn (Maria), David, Shelton Lee (Tasha) and Matthew Beard (Kesha)

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. on Sunday at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, with a funeral service following at 2 p.m. in the Chapel.

Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com