National Hardwood Magazine - December 2023

Hall Of Fame Jockey

Hall Of Fame Jockey Visits National Hardwood Magazine Dinner Photo By Terry Miller National Museum of Racing (NMR) and Hall of Fame jockey Mike E. Smith made a surprise visit to a dinner hosted by National Hardwood Magazine during the recent National Hardwood Lumber Association Convention, held in the hometown of the Kentucky Derby, Louisville, KY. Dubbed “The Jockey’s Jockey” by Sports Illustrated magazine in 2014, Smith was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 2003. A seven-time Triple Crown race winner, including a sweep of the series in 2018 with undefeated Justify, he also won The Derby in 2005 with 50-1 longshot, Giacomo; the Preakness in 1993 with Prairie Bayou; the Belmont in 2010 with Drosselmeyer and 2013 with Palace Malice. The NMR further noted that four of Smith’s Breeders’ Cup wins have come in the Classic, with Hall of Famers Skip Away (1997) and Zenyatta (2009), as well as Drosselmeyer (2011) and champion Arrogate (2016). He has won five editions of the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, with the Hall of Famers Inside Information (1995), Azeri (2002), Zenyatta (2008), and Royal Delta (2012), as well as Ajina (1997). Also, in December of 2019, Smith won his 217th Grade 1 race, breaking the record previously held by Hall of Famer Jerry Bailey. Through 2022, Smith has won 5,692 races with purse earnings of 4,795,158 (No. 3 all time). The above are just some of Smith’s career accomplishments. n In Memoriam Thomas Beard Thomas Richard Beard, 90, of Greensboro, NC, died September 21, 2023, at Well Spring Retirement Community, Greensboro. Tom was born in Greensboro on October 2, 1932, to the late Ernest Neilson Beard Jr. and Alma Smith Beard. He is survived by the love of his life, Nancy Cridlebaugh Beard, wife of 65 years; children Anne Beard Krahnert (John), T. Richard Beard Jr. (Susan), and John S. Beard (Sarah); grandchildren John Krahnert III (Cara), Lauren Stone (Darrell), Thomas Beard III (Rory), Mary Grace Beard, and John Beard Jr.; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Hugh Beard, Cyrus Beard, and Neilson Beard III. Tom was a proud graduate of Christ School in Arden, NC. He attended Davidson College and graduated from Bowling Green Business University (now WKU). He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1956. After the Army, Tom joined his father in the Hardwood lumber business. Upon his father’s retirement, Tom created one of the most respected Hardwood lumber wholesale companies in the world — Beard Hardwoods, Inc. Tom was a pioneer in introducing Tulip Poplar to the export market in the late 1970s and built his company into a top US exporter to the Asian furniture industry. Tom was a devoted servant leader, a passion he shared with his children and grandchildren. He faithfully served First Presbyterian Church as a deacon and an elder. He took great pleasure singing in the church’s choir for more than 30 years. He also made a concerted effort to give back to Christ School, which he credits for developing his love of music and work ethic, serving many years on the school’s Board of Trustees. Tom loved Greensboro and giving back to his hometown. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Greensboro and Greensboro Country Club. He also served on the board of the River Landing retirement community. He was committed to making Greensboro a better place for generations to come. Tom also served on many industry boards, including Please turn to page 79 Look who surprised dinner attendees in Louisville, KY, home of Churchill Downs! Renowned jockey Mike E. Smith, pictured in plaid jacket, front row. Read more at www.racingmuseum.org. Lumbermen’s Luncheon Club Digs Deep, Raises Largest Donation Ever The annual meeting of the Lumbermen’s Luncheon Club (LLC) took place recently during the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) Annual Convention & Expo Showcase. The Club celebrated a big accomplishment this year by raising a record high donation for their chosen charitable cause: the American Legion Post 193. LLC raised ,750, which surpassed last year’s donation by about ,000. Erin Cox, of GTL Lumber Inc., was thanked for finding the American Legion and arranging food and drinks for the celebratory luncheon. Steve Jones, of Ron Jones Hardwood Sales, was in charge of the Photo By Terry Miller Pictured are most members of the Lumbermen’s Luncheon Club. induction ceremony of seven new LLC members. The group’s mission, which is simple but meaningful, is to promote timber and lumber one way or another! n BRUNNER HILDEBRAND LUMBER DRY KILN CO. NASHVILLE TN Lewis Lumber and MillingE Clarion PAE built 9599197 Dominik Belzer Service Manager 8x Mixed Hardwoods Dry Kilns give us a call: 645T469T5745 or visit: Jos aan de Stegge www6bhlTdrykilns6com Sales Manager Besuchen Sie uns unter www6brunnerThildebrand6de 56 DECEMBER 2023 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry DECEMBER 2023 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 57