Born July 30, 1944, he was a son of the late Bruce M. Beard, Sr. and Etha Moore Beard.

Also preceding him in death are his sisters, Phyllis Daves and Doris Pelter.

Bruce was a member of Stone Church of the Brethren and a graduate of Parry McCluer High School. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving a tour of duty in Vietnam.

Bruce started as a police officer for the Lexington Police Department in 1970. Moving through the ranks, he became chief in 1986 and held that position until his retirement in 2006. He then served as a school crossing guard after retirement. Bruce was also a member of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of the Chiefs of Police.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Ruth Wiseman Beard; children, Kim B. Reynolds (Jeff), Christopher Beard; grandchildren, Jeffrey Reynolds, Jason Reynolds (Abbey), Michelle Reynolds, Allison Propps (Remington); and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 10, at Harrison Funeral Chapel by the Rev. David Bain. Burial will follow at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory. NG