Yesterday’s Knoxville News Sentinel had the obituary for former Congressman Robin Beard. Congressman Beard served five terms in the United States Congress from Tennessee. He passed away Saturday at the age of 67.

Congressman Beard was born in Knoxville. He grew up in the Nashville area and attended Montgomery Bell Academy and Vanderbilt University. He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

In 1970 he became personnel commissioner for then Governor Winfield Dunn. In 1972 he defeated a four term Democrat Congressman in Tennessee’s 6th Congressional District. In 1982 he ran against Senator Jim Sasser a race that he lost. He went on to serve as the assistant secretary general for Defense of NATO.

He vacationed regularly in South Carolina and eventually made the Palmetto State his home. In 2006 he ran unsuccessfully for a position on the Charleston County School Board. He learned of his malignant brain tumor after filing for the school board seat and underwent surgery and chemotherapy during the school board campaign.

Former Congressman and State Senator Arthur Ravenel, Jr said. “He leaves behind a legacy of great admiration for the United States Marine Corps, for love of family and of church, and for the community.”

His daughter Bettina Beard said, “He was the life of the party.” “He was just a personable, gregarious, outgoing man. He had an amazing sense of humor and an incredibly huge heart.”

He is survived by his wife Catherine, and three children, Robin John, Lisa Boland and Bettina.

As I have indicated here before Robin Beard’s 1982 campaign was my first. His legacy of empowering young people will keep his legacy going on for many years. My friend and former Knox County Republican Party Chairman Mike Prince served on Robin Beard’s staff for several years.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Beard family (the immediate family and the extended family)

Rest in Peace Congressman. You did well.