Eugene “Gene” Beard
Eugene “Gene” Beard, was born November 5, 1944 in Pottsville, Pennsylvania to the late Mary (Coles) and Harry Beard. He entered eternal rest on Friday, June 10, 2022. The youngest of his seven siblings, Gene is preceded in death by his elder brothers Harry, James, Robert, Thomas, Paul, Lawrence and his closest brother and best friend, Richard.
Gene was a standout sprinter, hurdler and football star for his high school (Pottsville High School) and also played football in college (Virginia Union University). Gene enjoyed a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings before his order of induction into the United States Army in 1967. While in the Army (Military Police), Gene continued his football career with the Crusaders of Augsburg, Germany where he was named Most Valuable Player in his first season tallying the most points in the history of organization.
After the military, Gene resumed his football career in Calgary, Canada where he enjoyed much success before a career-ending injury. Gene returned to Richmond, VA where he devoted his life to his wife of 20 years, Etonya (McNeill) and their children Mark (Towanna) and Necole (Gregory). An avid self-taught photographer, Gene was rarely seen without his camera, and captured the most precious and cherished memories of his entire family.
He leaves ten beautiful grandchildren to cherish his memory – Mark’s children: Marc Antonio, Brianna Necole and Taylor Brielle – Necole’s children: Kameron Necole, Nicholas Gregory, Kai Kingston and Grant Alexander – as well as the children of his beloved niece and honorary daughter Richelle (James): Emersyn Noelle, Gavin Ashley and Rian-James Clarke.
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