Wallace Edward Beard Jr., 77, of Madisonville, KY passed away on Saturday August 24, 2024, at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville.
He was born on October 31, 1946, in Madisonville to the late Wallace Edward Beard Sr. and Lela Ferguson Beard. He was also preceded in death by one brother, James Stephen “Buddy” Beard.
Wallace lived in Madisonville most of his life except for a few years working at Caterpillar in Aurora, IL. He was a graduate of Madisonville High School, and he later went on to earn a Microsoft Certified Engineer Certificate in 2000. Wallace had many nicknames but was commonly known as “Butch” or “Big Drag” to his miner friends, as he was a member of UMWA District 23 Local 1178. After his career in coal mining, he spent the remainder of his work career as a welder at Industrial Machine. He enjoyed fishing, but one of his greatest pleasures was coaching YA baseball. In addition, Butch was a Master Mason of the N.H. Shaw Lodge (608). He was also a member of the Rizpah Temple where he brought joy to many as a member of the Rizpah Cut Ups Clown Unit.
Butch was survived by his wife of 24 years, Shirley Anne Beard of Madisonville; two stepsons, Andy (Jamie) Garrison of Thompson Station, TN, and Joshua Evinger of Evansville, IN; one sister, Lisa Fowler of Madisonville; one brother, Joe Beard of Henderson, KY; two nephews, Cameron (Kim) Beard of Lexington, KY, and Eli (Rose) Fowler of Franklin, NC; two nieces, Amy Beard of Lexington, and Ann (Jens) Clawson of Huntington Beach, CA; six great nieces and nephews, Paige, CJ, and Kirby Beard, and Flynn, Micah, and Kai Fowler; and two four-legged companions, Precious and Sheamus.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. Saturday August 31, 2024, at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home with a Masonic Service at 3:30 P.M. to commemorate his service as a Mason.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Butch’s name to Shriner Children’s Hospital, Riley Children’s Hospital, or The Hopkins County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.barnettstrother.com.
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