Carroll F Beard Jr

Carroll F Beard, Jr

October 4, 1929 — March 26, 2024,

Early last week, our beloved Carroll peacefully passed-on in his sleep due to circumstances from a fall. His suffering was minimal and short, and he was home with his beloved wife Dottie and their sons for the whole of his final time of earthly awareness. He was 94.

Carroll was born in Salisbury, Maryland to Carroll Sr and Eva Beard. During his childhood, Carroll and his brother, Donald, sang with their parents during Sunday family drives in the country. It was during these precious family outings that Carroll first began to learn the art of vocal harmonizing which would become such a meaningful part of his life and the lives of his family. His family moved to Seaford when he was in grade school to help build and maintain numerous residential and commercial projects to support Seaford’s rapid expansion during the heyday of DuPont. He attended Seaford Schools and graduated from Seaford High School where he played football as quarterback and there met the love of his life, Dottie.

After high school, Carroll attended the University of Delaware. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the Air Force and served for a few years. He was stationed in various locations while proudly serving his country. During his time in the service, Carroll married his fiancé, Dottie Friedel. They started their family, and he worked with his father Carroll Sr in his business until starting his own plumbing business in the late 60s. Many in our local community still remember his valued, uncompromising expertise as their plumber of choice.

Also, during the late 60s, Carroll discovered and became naturally drawn to the Barbershop Harmony Society (SPEBSQSA) Chapter in Salisbury where he learned the wholesome style of vocal music known by many simply as “Barbershop”. Carroll was instrumental in founding the Seaford Barbershop Chapter which was known as the Chorus of the Nanticoke. He was an active, accomplished member and Director for roughly 60 years in total, singing in numerous quartets along the way, including the renowned Sussex Counts.

He was a member of the Seaford Lions Club for many years where he focused on music and chorus directing for the annual shows.

Carroll was an active member and officer of the Seaford High School Alumni Association for many years.

Throughout his personal and professional life, Carroll believed that things should always be done well and done right the first time. This belief was pervasive in all that he accomplished. Because Carroll was a great performer in all that he did, he was also a great coach and an appreciator of good music, and a job well done in all arenas.

Many also remember the blessings he brought through Barbershop music at the Seaford High School Auditorium over so many years. His musical involvement was loved by many and still lives on and echoes in the hearts of countless people far and wide. Preservation of the Barbershop singing style and lifestyle was always a driver in his involvement with the organization, and his hope was that the music that uplifted him so much would also inspire others and continue to be available to all who are drawn to betterment through Barbershop.

Carroll’s wife, Dottie, will always fondly remember him as a warm and loving companion and protector. He was fun, spontaneous, and always made sure she had everything she wanted. He took care of everything in their busy plumbing business and on the home front. Carroll worked hard, and only when the work was done, played hard. He enjoyed her delicious, daily home cooking immensely, and the great restaurants they frequently visited all over Delmarva and beyond. He enjoyed golf, swimming, ocean bodysurfing, traveling, and numismatics. He put his whole heart and soul into everything he ever did, and if he couldn’t do something absolutely right, he didn’t do it at all. Most importantly, he loved his whole family beyond measure.

Family and friends will always remember Carroll as patient, kind, a listener, companion, and leader through the many personal ways he positively impacted their lives. He was a gentleman of quiet faith who put his hope in the love of and belief in a living Christ. Those who knew him will always fondly remember him from the first “hello”, to the last “goodbye”. He will always be greatly missed by so many of you. May God hold him in the palm of His hand, until we meet again…

Carroll was preceded in death by his parents Carroll Sr and Eva Beard.

Carroll is survived by his wife of 74 years, Dottie and their two sons, Kevin and Shane, and his brother, Donald. Kevin (Justilienna) and daughters: Amy Meding (Sean) and their daughters Juslynn Harris (Mike) and their four children, and Ashley Meding, and her four children. Tiffany Gomez (Chino) and sons Raidel (Mackenzie) and their two daughters, and Javier and his daughter. Shane (Kimberly) and daughters: Sydney and Jenna.

Arrangements have been made with Cranston Funeral Home in Seaford on Shipley St for Tues, Apr 9. Visitation at 1:00. Service at 2:00.

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