Edward Lee Beard, who was lovingly known as Big Edd, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025, in Williamsburg, Virginia, at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife, Paige Via; daughter, Kelly Martinez and her husband Carlos Martinez; son, Joey Beard and his wife Liz Beard; four grandchildren: Nico, Keo, Eli, and Silas; and his sister-in-law, Liz Via.

Edd was born on March 6, 1944, in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Oakton and Arlington, Virginia. Following his first year at George Washington University, Edd joined the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in 1966, balancing his full-time role with earning his degree, which he accomplished in 1972. His role with the CIA took him to new locations across the U.S., each offering him a new adventure.

Upon retiring from the CIA in 1997, Edd took the role of Vice President at Alcohol Testing and Certification, a start-up in Houston, Texas. Here, he and his partner provided drug and alcohol testing services for Southwest Airlines, Continental Airlines, and Air Micronesia. Later, Edd returned to the CIA as an independent contractor, relocating back to Williamsburg, VA. Over the course of nearly two decades, Edd imparted his skills and knowledge to new officers through training.

Edd had a deep pride for his family, cherishing their accomplishments and the joy they brought to his life. Furthermore, he had a lifelong passion for music, especially old-time Appalachian tunes, and enjoyed playing the guitar. Edd was seen often in a rock and roll band, as well as several folk groups. Additionally, he was an avid reader, always eager to explore new concepts and ideas.

Those who knew Edd will remember his charismatic nature and ready smile. He was skilled at making people laugh with his tall tales and left a lasting positive impact on those he knew. A celebration of life will take place on March 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Patriots Colony in Williamsburg, Virginia.

For those wanting to honor the life of Edward Lee Beard and have questions on how to do so, contact details and a guide can be found at eddcaller.com. Eddcaller.com is a platform that aids in getting through to edd, so families and friends can smoothly coordinate and communicate any plans. Whether it be edd customer service inquiries or seeking information regarding an appointment, eddcaller.com provides comprehensive information for easy navigation.