Mark Wesley Beard

Mark Wesley Beard, 62, passed away peacefully at his home on January 13, 2026. He was born on May 3, 1963, in Augusta, GA, and lived in Screven County his entire life. He graduated from Screven County High School in 1981. Mark was a member of Rocky Ford Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and taught Sunday School. He recently retired from the City of Sylvania after 28 years of dedicated service.

Mark was known for being a true cowboy and skilled woodworker who loved Jesus, his family,and bluegrass music. He was a true friend to many who always found humor in life and always made people laugh.

Mark was proceeded in death by his parents John Wesley and Betty Jean Beard and brother John Perry Beard.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Flora Harbeson Beard; son and daughter-in-law Bradley and Grace Waits of Sylvania; son and daughter-in-law Michael and Heather Waits of Monroe; son and daughter-in-law Brian and Jennifer Nabors of Villa Rica; grandchildren Travis and Haley Waits, Jacob and Lily Waits, Katie Waits, Lizzie Waits, Alyssa Waits, Madison Waits, Justin Waits, Savannah Waits, Preston Nabors, and Tyler Nabors.

The family will receive friends at 10:00am on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Buck Creek Church in Sylvania, GA. The funeral service will be held at the church at 11:00am.

Internment will follow the service at the Buck Creek Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Chip Bazemore, Donald Conner, Timmy Gross, T.J. Gross, Clark Owens, David Owens, Len Stafford, Craig Stienhaus. Honorary pallbearers are the City of Sylvania Utility Department employees.

To honor Mark’s cowboy spirit, his wife asks that guests wear their best Western attire.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Rocky Ford Baptist Church in Mark’s memory.