Captain Cecil Ray Beaird Jr., (USMC Retired)

Captain Cecil Ray Beaird Jr., (USMC Retired), 65, of Emerald Isle, passed away on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at Crystal Coast Hospice House.

Funeral services will be held at Quantico National Cemetery on Friday May 7th, 2021. Due to capacity limits, attendance is reserved for family only. After the funeral service, the Beaird family will host a memorial reception to honor Ray at Locust Shade Park, Triangle, VA. Friends and colleagues are welcome to join and celebrate Ray’s life and memory at the large pavilion from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m.

Ray was born on July 24, 1955, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Cecil Ray Beaird Sr. and Gailya Fox Hornsby.

Ray dedicated his life to his family and protecting his country. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corp, retiring after 21 years of honorable service. Post retirement Ray remained an active member of the military intelligence community. Over the decades he mentored several future leaders and made a lasting impression on many others. He was known as a steadfast teammate who never failed to execute to perfection. Ray enjoyed using his talents and time to help others. He enjoyed camaraderie in acts of service helping those in need through volunteer work with Team Rubicon and Feed My Starving Children. His wry sense of humor, unassuming confidence, and kind demeanor drew many to count Ray as a life-long friend.

Ray is survived by his wife, Teresa Beaird; children, Jason Beaird and wife Judi of Gadsden, AL, Melissa Lacy and husband Shawn of Nashville, TN, Meghan Hale and husband Roger of Alexandria, VA, Mackenzie Griffin of Philadelphia, PA, William Griffin of Stuart, FL, and Madison Griffin of Alexandria, VA; sister, Susan Beaird and husband Rex of Gadsden, AL; brother, Larry Beaird of Gadsden, AL; step-mother, Joan Beaird of Boaz, AL; and grandchildren, Harper, Cedar, Sable, Jovie, Theo, and Darbi.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David Beaird.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome or memorial contributions in memory of Ray, may be made to either Team Rubicon or Feed My Starving Children.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.