James Edwin Beard, age 88 of Smyrna died Sunday November 8, 2015. He was a native of Memphis and was retired Inspector with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was a member of Smyrna United Methodist Church and Sam Davis Masonic Lodge. Mr. Beard was a veteran of United States Navy, having served during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He is survived by his children, Barbara Lee Nelson and husband Ron of Chattanooga, James David Beard of Murfreesboro, Charlotte Aalberg and husband Dan of Chattanooga; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Beard Seaton, of Jupiter, FL. Mr. Beard was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Beard; son, John Beard and also by his parents, Donald L. Beard Sr. and Clara Mapp Beard. Funeral service will be 2:00PM Wednesday at Woodfin Chapel Smyrna. Rev. Loyd Mabry will officiate. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. Visitation will be 4:00PM to 7:00PM Tuesday follow by Masonic service at7:00PM Tuesday at Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family of Mr. Beard at www.woodfinchapel.com