Coach Kenneth Hayes Beard

Kenneth Hayes “Coach” Beard, age 78, passed away at his residence on January 22, 2019 with his loving wife and son by his side. He was born in Bessemer, Alabama on December 27, 1940 to Jewell Dabbs Beard and Leonard Elbert Beard. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Kenneth Gregory (Greg) Beard and his parents. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sue Hutcheson Beard, and his son Timothy Scott Beard of Arab; brothers Don Beard (Evelyn) of Bessemer, AL, Joe Beard(Margaret) of Scottsdale, AZ, Jeff Beard (Sara) of Bessemer, AL, a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews, and his beloved grand-dog Sparky. A graduate of Hueytown High School, Ken was selected to play on the All-State Football team, and his athletic ability also earned him a football scholarship to the University of Alabama where he played tackle for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. He began his teaching and coaching career in 1965 at Jacksonville State University where he met his wife Sue. He went on to hold Head coaching positions at Cleburne County High School in Heflin, Madison County High School in Gurley, and Arab High School. During his coaching tenure, he was named Madison County Coach of The Year and Marshall County Coach of the Year. He retired from teaching in 1994 and worked for The American General Insurance Company for several years. Ken was an active member of The University of Alabama “A” Club, the Alabama Alumni Association, and an honorary “J” Club member at Jacksonville State University. Ken and his family moved to Arab in 1976, and he immediately established Arab as his home. In addition to teaching and coaching, he worked in the summer for the Arab Park and Recreation Department as the T-Ball Coordinator. Under his leadership, the program was so successful that the Arab T-Ball Association, former coaches, and parents of former players dedicated a permanent plaque of appreciation which stands at the ball field today. He served on various civic committees including the Beautification Board and the Planning Commission. He also served on the Marshall County CASA Board and assisted in building handicap ramps for both county and Arab residents. He was a member of Habitat for Humanity and worked to help build an area home. Ken was an active member of the Arab First United Methodist Church where he served on numerous committees including Chairman of the Administrative Board. He was a member of the Emmaus community, Walk #308, which allowed him the opportunity to serve twice on the Kairos Prison Ministry team and twice on the Epiphany Ministry Team for incarcerated youth. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 27, 2019 at Arab First United Methodist Church with Bro. Mike Shirley, Bro. Steve West, Bro. Ricky Tolleson & Bro. Steve Gipson, officiating. Burial will be in Arab Memorial Cemetery with Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the church. Pallbearers will include Thomas Bennett, Jeff Beard II, David Skidmore, Steve Craft, Aaron Bush, and Austin Bush. Honorary pallbearers include Eddie Hutcheson, Bill Hutcheson, Dr. Charles Mann, Courtney McKoy, Bill Privett, former football teammates, players, and coaches at Hueytown, the University of Alabama, Jacksonville State University, Heflin, Gurley, and Arab. In lieu of flowers, the family strongly requests that donations be made to the Greg Beard Memorial Scholarship Fund at Arab First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 470, Arab, Alabama 35016.

Coach Kenneth Hayes Beard

December 27, 1940 - January 22, 2019