Russell Alvin “Rusty” Bevard Jr., 35, of Vero Beach, passed away on July 3, 2014, at Moffitt Cancer and Research Center in Tampa, Fla., after a very short battle with Leukemia.
He is survived by his loving wife, Erin Bevard; adoring son, Ace Bevard; mother, Sandy Bevard; sister, Joey McGee; paternal grandmother, Margaret Bevard; maternal grandparents, Joe and Joyce Hajdinak; father and mother-in law Joe and Sheila Holzman; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Alvin Bevard, Sr. and grandfather, James Bevard.
Bevard was born in Vero Beach and lived there most his life. In 2010, he moved back permanently to manage the family business, Mid Coast Tire, with his dad. He was a graduate of Vero Beach High School and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Florida.
After his father’s death in 2012, Bevard continued to own and operate Mid Coast tire. He loved being a part of the community and was proud to run a successful local business that had been in the family since 1977.
Although Bevard ultimately passed away from Leukemia, it was not his identity, as he was only diagnosed nine days prior. He suffered watching his father battle pancreatic cancer for years, and rejoiced in advancements that were made to prolong his life.
We ask that memorial contributions be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, www.pancan.org or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org in memory of Russell Alvin Bevard, Jr.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. July 12, at Calvary Chapel, Vero Beach with the Rev. Jim Gallagher officiating. A reception will be held immediately following the service. Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. An online guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.