Richard "Dick" Thomas Beard, 74, of Lynchburg, husband of Miriam F. Beard, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. He was born on December 8, 1943, in Lynchburg, son of the late Edward W. and Frances Stephens Beard.Richard was a member of Thomas Road Baptist Church and was retired from Rock Tenn following 44 years of service. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Reserves. Richard was a private man of few words, but will be remembered most for his dry, quick wit, hard work and dedication to his family.In addition to his wife, Miriam, he is survived by four children, Terri B. Gibson, Daryl T. Beard (Ginger Lawson), Sara E. Brown (Scott Brown), and Leslie C. Franklin (Don Alley); two sisters, Dorothy B. Fink and Loretta B. Brown; three grandchildren, Aaron T. Gibson, Damian T. Floyd (Nicole), and Emma G. Ervin; and one very special great-grandchild, Bristol Rae Floyd.The family would like to thank Dr. Cecelia MacCallum and the staff of Pearson Cancer Center for the care and compassion that they gave Richard during his illness.A service of remembrance will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with Pastor Dave Heerspink officiating. The family will receive friends following the service until 3:30 pm at the funeral home.In lieu of flowers, please consider a charity of your choice.To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com. Whitten Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Timberlake Chapel, is serving the family.