Ronald Beard, Jr.

Ronald Emile Beard, Jr. passed away Wednesday, October 7th, 2020, at the age of 57. Ronnie, as he was known, was a long time resident of Baton Rouge, LA. In 2001, he and his wife, Erin, relocated to Mandeville, LA where they resided until his death.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Erin Brady Beard, sons, Justin Matthew Beard (Michelle), Ryan Emile Beard (Ruby), grandchildren, Raelynn Mae Beard and Noah Ronnie Emile Beard, Mother, Peggy Smith Beard Fowler, Brother, Sidney Lee Beard, Sister-in-law, Trisha Brassard Beard, nieces, Shannon and Sydney and nephew Sean. Brother-n-law Eric Normand, niece, Anna, nephews Daniel and Zachary.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Emile Beard, Sr., his adored sister, Rhonda Caroline Beard Normand, and his Step Father, John Fowler.

Ronnie was born in Lompoc, California to Ronald Emile Beard, Sr. and Peggy Ann Smith Beard. He spent much of his young childhood living in the Bahamas where his love of the water and boating began and remained throughout his life. He and Erin moved to the Northshore near Lake Pontchartrain and the Tchefuncte River where the water was never far away.

He had a thirst for knowledge that could never be quenched. No matter what the interest was, professional or personal, he was going to aggressively learn everything about it. He inspired everyone to be the absolute best that they could be. He would not accept anything less. He would elevate others around him far beyond their own perceived capabilities.

Ronnie spent his early career as an accomplished, touring musician. His talent as a player, his unstoppable drive, and love of music took him throughout the United States and Europe. Even as his career took him in different directions, his passion for music of all kinds always stayed with him. His love of music was something he shared with all who knew him. He maintained many of these relationships from his early music career for the rest of his life.

Ronnie’s career path eventually took him into the business world. He spent much of that time working in areas of real estate development, finance, healthcare, and more. His professional accomplishments were many and varied, and those who had the opportunity to work with him in any capacity can attest to his intelligence and ability to be a superior visionary. He was an entrepreneur in every sense of the word and wouldn't have been content having it any other way. Business wasn’t only a job, but a platform for Ronnie to educate, facilitate, and change people's live for the better.

Friendship was something that Ronnie valued deeply. He had an instinct about people almost instantly and it didn't matter what walk of life they came from. He formed deep friendships with many that he thought of as family and that was returned in kind. He treasured every friendship he had. Those that knew him would at some point inevitably find themselves involved in a deep conversation or lively debate. It was such a part of who he was and will be greatly missed.

What Ronnie cherished most in life was his family and to all of us it is where his greatest
accomplishments can be found.

Ronnie and his wife Erin were together for 23 years. It was evident to those who spent any time around them how special what they shared was. Through better and worse their devotion to each other never wavered. They loved in the truest sense of the word. His loss is felt deeply.

Being a father and grandfather was Ronnie’s greatest joy. Watching his two son’s, Justin and Ryan grow and become great, young men was such a source of pride. His granddaughter, Raelynn, was the light of his life.The connection they shared was so special. Ronnie was so excited to meet his expected grandson, Noah Ronnie Emile Beard, named after his late grandfather. No doubt, their relationship would have been equally as special.

He loved and cherished all of his family in it’s own unique way. He was a husband, son, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. In all of these he was fiercely devoted, loyal, and proud. He was our rock, our mentor, and our inspiration. We all loved him deeply. For those who knew him, even briefly, it was a privilege. To be loved by him was a gift beyond measure and he will be forever missed.

Ronnie was cherished and revered by so many people from every aspect of his life and the need and desire for all of us to come together to honor and celebrate his life is very strong; but out of an abundance of caution we will be forgoing a traditional visitation service. At the appropriate times we will find opportunities to gather and celebrate his life as he so richly deserves.