William Alan Beard

William Alan Beard, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, husband, veteran, leader, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, at his daughter Peggy’s home in Pemberville, Ohio, surrounded by love and under hospice care. He was 78 years old. 

Born in Rome, New York, on May 19, 1947, to Arlena Gertrude Carter and William Andrews Beard, Bill was raised along the Suwannee River in North Florida by his Grandaddy Carter and cherished grandmother, Granny Cason. Though he grew up with little, he was surrounded by love and discipline. His early years shaped his resilience and deep appreciation for the beauty and freedom of nature. From a young age, he held a lifelong affection for all things Florida—the rivers, the wildlife, the warmth, and the independence it represented. 

After graduating from Plant High School in Tampa in 1965, Billy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving two tours in Vietnam from 1965 to 1967. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1969 and continued serving in the Marine Reserves from 1971 to 1986. A fierce advocate for fellow veterans, Bill later became President of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #035 in Toledo, Ohio, where he helped pass legislation in Washington, D.C., to support those affected by Agent Orange. He never stopped fighting for those who served.  

Bill was a proud member of IBEW Local #379 for 55 years and a United Auto Worker in electrical skilled trades at Jeep for 26 years, retiring at age 69 after his first cancer diagnosis in 2016. He was also a martial artist, softball player and coach, and ballroom dancer. He ran eight-minute miles at age 69, climbed Mt. Whitney in 1980, skied cross-country and downhill, surfed, and proudly traveled the world. He belonged to the NWO Dance Club and The Ballroom Company, where he shared a special bond with his teacher and friend, Heather, and cherished every chance to take the floor. He was also a member of Parents Without Partners, where he found friendship, connection, and purpose during a meaningful chapter of his life.  

Bill married Lauren Nyegard in May of 1968, and together they had three daughters: Peggy (Mike), Suzanna (Matt), and Cheryl (Jason). His second marriage brought three stepchildren into his life—Danny (Kristie), Dawn, and Jenny Jo—whom he loved and helped raise. Later, Bill married Elizabeth Coulter Beard, whom he proudly cared for during her struggle with dementia. Her children—Mike, Aaron, and Melissa—also shared a special bond with Bill. Elizabeth’s ashes will be interred alongside Bill, a testament to the lasting love and connection they shared. 

His devoted dance partner, Colleen Paisley, was also his best friend and love—their partnership was full of joy, movement, and unwavering support. 

Bill made his home in Ottawa Lake, Michigan for over 40 years, where he raised his family and formed lifelong friendships. In retirement, he spent cherished time at his senior villa in Ocala, Florida, part of the Top of the World community. His deep affection for Florida remained a constant, shaped by childhood roots and a lifetime of memories.

He was a man of deep convictions, big ideas, and strong opinions—and yes, a bit of stubbornness, which often proved to be one of his most defining (and even admirable) qualities. It was this tenacity that helped him stand up for others, fight for causes he believed in, and face life with courage and determination. 

Bill was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his children, stepchildren, and grandchildren: Alexandria (Seth), Nicholas (Caitlyn), Christopher (Maddie), Zackary (Bella), Katie (Braden), Nikole (Zander), Jordan, Indiana, Aurelia, and Alyssa. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Noah, River, Max, Adalynn, and Charlie Jane.

He is also survived by his sisters: Linda, Karen, Joyce, Tela, Denise, and Diane, as well as cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews, and many friends and extended family members who were lucky to know him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Leona, and his former wives Lauren Marriott and Elizabeth Beard.

Bill’s death was caused by metastatic cancer resulting from exposure to Agent Orange and contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, where he was stationed during his military service. His passing is a painful reminder of the price so many veterans pay long after their service ends. His family shares this truth to honor him and to say: our veterans and their families deserve better.

He spent his final days in peace, surrounded by family and friends.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 Main St, Sylvania, Ohio. The funeral service will take place on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Reeb Funeral Home, followed by burial at Toledo Memorial Park, 6382 Monroe Street, Sylvania, Ohio. A luncheon will follow at 1:00 PM at Jing Chuan, Inc., 4424 Secor Rd, Toledo, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #035, Toledo, or to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg. Online condolences to reebfuneralhome.com

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