Al graduated from Pine Grove Christina School in Houston. He was a member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Local 1, Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. He was one of the recipients of the first Craft Award for the Best Refractory Project at Great Lakes Carbon in Oklahoma. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Al loved to play the guitar with his friends. His hobbies included riding horses, gardening, yard work, and fishing. He enjoyed watching his son play golf. Some of his most memorable moments were spent working on the Hallettsville Garden Club parade floats. He devoted many hours as a parent volunteer at Sweet Home ISD.

Al will be missed by family, friends, and coworkers.

Al is survived by his wife Sharon Darilek Beard; daughter Shayne Dixon of Victoria; and son Christopher Beard of Hallettsville; sisters Donna Nichols and husband James "Nick", and Glenda Welch of Houston; and brother Perry Witt of Cleveland. His parents preceded him in death.

Service: 10 am, Tuesday, August 21, 2007 at Kubena Funeral Home. Visitation: 12 pm Noon, Monday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Minister Thomas Ezzell. Pallbearers: Ronnie Brimberry, Douglas Brosch, Kenny Darilek, Joe Darilek, Marvin Mikush Jr., and Mike Hessler. Honorary Pallbearers: Bobby Aitkens, and JoAnn Bludau. Burial: Hallettsville City Cemetery.