J.L. Beaird

J.L. Beaird, 94, went to sleep on earth and awoke in heaven, December 3, 2023.

J.L. was born in Lufkin, Texas, December 4, 1928.  He married his wife of 61 years, Prebble Nunn Beaird, February 9, 1957.  Together, they lived most of their lives in Lufkin, Texas, before relocating to Waco, Texas, in 2013.  He was ordained a deacon at Mt Zion Baptist Church in Lufkin, Texas, and later served as deacon of First Baptist Church, Lufkin.  After moving to Waco, he was a member of First Woodway Baptist Church.

He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics.  He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.  He received his Professional Engineer license by the State of Texas in 1961.

He worked for the Texas Department of Transportation in Lufkin, Texas, for 40 years, where he retired as District Engineer.  During his career, he designed and oversaw the construction of many highways and bridges in East Texas which will serve as monuments of his work and the work of his fellow engineer colleagues at TxDOT with whom he loved and viewed as family.

He was an Eagle Scout.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.  He loved to read and was a life-long learner.  Anyone he met became his new friend.  He loved sports and was an avid Houston Astros fan.  He loved his family.  He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them and celebrating their activities and accomplishments.  He was known for his infectious, unique laugh which he shared often.

He is preceded in death his wife Prebble Nunn Beaird, parents Jessie Lafayette and Flora Scott Beaird, and brother Scotty Beaird.  He is survived by his daughter Carrie Beaird of Plano, Texas, his son Dr. Mark Beaird and wife Beth Harrell Beaird of Woodway, Texas, and grandchildren Andrew Beaird, Philip Beaird, and Rebekah Beaird.

A celebration of life will be held at the Garden of Memories Cemetery Chapel, in Lufkin, Texas on Saturday, December 9, 2023  at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend Leslie Hollis officiating.  Visitation will be before the service at 2:00.

The family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers of the Heartis Waco and Bluebonnet Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to First Baptist Church of Lufkin – building or missions fund.