Mr. Elma Ray Beard

January 20, 1956 - August 30, 2017

Mr. Elma Ray Beard, 72, of Royston, GA passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, at the St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia, GA. Mr. Beard was born in Danielsville, GA on January 20, 1945, son of the late Keifer O’Dell Beard and the late Ella Mae Carithers Beard. He was a hatchery manager having worked with Seaboard Farms in Athens, GA and was of the Methodist faith. Survivors include his wife, Mary Helen Bond Beard; son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Melissa Beard of Carnesville, GA; granddaughters, Haleigh Beard and Haven Beard; brothers, Mitchell Beard and Wendell Beard both of Danielsville, GA; sisters, Polly Berryman of Danielsville, GA, Oneida Horne of Commerce, GA, Gaitha Kerr of Hartwell, GA, Revonda Beard of Colbert, GA and Grace Carey of Kannapolis, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Beard; and sisters, Thelma Conwell, Nellie Ruth Spelce and Fanida Caudell. A graveside service for Mr. Beard will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 3, 2017, in the Cary Memorial Gardens with Rev. Eddie Wiggins officiating. The family will receive friends at Pruitt Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday evening. The family is at the home. Flowers are optional; memorials may be made to the Greenville Shriners at 950 West Faris Road Greenville, SC 29605. Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, GA is in charge of arrangements.