Don "SoSo" Steven Beard died Friday, June 17, 2022. He was born in Newberry, SC on February 12, 1946, to the late Emmie Harmon Beard Bannister and James Larkin Beard. He attended college at Wingate University in NC and then he served in the U.S. Army National Guard. He owned and operated SoSo’s Gym as well as served as a strength coach for Newberry College. He later received his PhD in Psychology, with specialization in Sports Psychology. He was known to family and friends as SoSo or Dr. So. He had many professions and adventures throughout his life. SoSo was a Professor, Sensei, Strength Coach, Personal Trainer, Body Builder, Consultant, Martial Artist (10th Degree Black Belt), Bounty Hunter, Detective, Story Teller and Philosopher. SoSo loved to read, learn new vocabulary words and spending time on the water at the lake. Survivors include his daughters, Tana (Shane) McCarthy of Columbia, Pamela Dominick of Newberry, and Steffie (Seth) Clark of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Kegan, Laney, Aisley and Alden McCarthy, Addison (Annacy) Acord, Zoe and Piper Dominick; great grandchild, Luciana Acord; sibling, Jeanne (Alex) Derrick of Peak, SC; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, SoSo was preceded in death by his brother, Larry J. Beard. A Celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22 at Whitaker Funeral Home, 1704 College Street, Newberry, SC 29108. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Memories and messages may be shared with the family here on his Tribute Wall. Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.