UNION — Mr. Donald Lee Beard, 69, husband of Diane Austin Beard, 105 N. Boyce St., Union, S.C. passed away Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at his home.

Mr. Beard was born in Union, S.C. April 24, 1943, a son of the late James Morgan Beard and Helen Morris Beard. He retired from Cone Mill-Carlisle Finishing. Mr. Beard was a member of the Union Church of God where he was a member of the Men’s Sunday School Class and he sang with the “Sounds of Praise” in the church and visiting area nursing homes. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army having served his country while stationed in Italy.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Shari Owens Dale of Cross Anchor and Lisa Owens Ochiltree of Greer; a sister, Cora Revis of Union; a brother, Harold Beard and wife Fran of Clyde, N.C.; three grandchildren, Brad Ochiltree, Payne Corbin and Summer Owens; two great-grandchildren, Maura Ochiltree and Lillie Ochiltree; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Beard was predeceased by a sister, Shirley Taylor.

Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 at Union Church of God conducted by Rev. Tommy Brown and Rev. Alton Stone. Burial will be in Union Memorial Gardens with Military Honors.

Active pallbearers will be Ed Norman, Gene LeMaster, Jackie Gaston, Allen Mitchell, Brad Ochiltree and Roy Briggs. The following are asked to assemble at the church at 2:15 p.m. to form the Honorary Escort: Billy Keisler, Dennis Millwood, Gene Gregory, Colon Duckett, Marion McAbee and Dr. John Cody.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the church prior to the service.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff of Hospice Care of SC for their care of Mr. Beard during his illness.

The family is at the home, 105 N. Boyce St., Union.

SR Holcombe Funeral Home

(www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)