Dennis Beard, III, 48, 309 German St., died unexpectedly Saturday, April 11, 2009, as a result of a car accident. He was born June 18, 1960, in Erie, son of Verna Mae Crosby Beard, of Erie and the late Dennis Beard, Jr.

A lifelong resident of Erie, he graduated from Strong Vincent High School and attended Indiana University of Pa. He was previously employed by GAF Corp. in the roofing business. He was a member of Second Baptist Church. Dennis enjoyed shooting pool, darts, chess, and sports and loved playing with his nieces and nephews. He loved spending time with his family and he will be dearly missed by them all.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Tanisha Atkinson, and a sister, Deborah Beard. In addition to his parents, he leaves to cherish his memory a son, Javon Frances Beard, Erie; a brother, Pastor Curtis Henderson and his wife Tori, Erie; a sister, Denise Beard-Johnson, Erie; a god brother and a god sister, Kenya Howard and Yolanda Chanie Hopkins and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, 5 to 8 p.m., at Law Funeral Home, 2926 Pine Ave. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, 11 a.m., at Second Baptist Church, 757 E. 26th St., conducted by Rev. Dr. Allen B. Green. Interment in Lakeside Cemetery.

Published in the Erie Times-News on 4/14/2009