William W. Bill Beard, age 83, of Nocatee, Fl. passed away Monday, December 15, 2008 in Arcadia, Fl. Bill was born November 17, 1925 in Nocatee. and had lived most of his life in and around Desoto Co. Bill was a tankerman( the person who handles the oil transfer hoses on board the tankers), working on oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army and the U. S. Navy. a member of the Sons of American Revolution and the Sons of the Confederacy. Bill was an avid reader of American History and , was very knowledgeable of historical events as they related to the history of this country. Survivors are his wife, Doris E., Nocatee, one son William K. Beard, and a daughter Nona Karen Wilson both of Nocatee. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Mary K, King Beard. Visitation will be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM from Ponger-Kays-Grady Chapel , 50 No. Hillsborough Avenue, Arcadia, Fl. Funeral services will be held, at 2:00PM Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008 from Ponger-Kays-Grady chapel, with Rev. Eric Romick officiating.. Military honors will be rendered at Oak Ridge Cemetery by the Desoto Co. Honor Guard; burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.