Douglas Rider BeVille, Jr., was born on March 22, 1930 to Dora Cornes and Douglas Rider BeVille, Sr., in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mr. BeVille died quietly at the Alexian Brothers Valley Residence, on February 22, 2012.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Moss BeVille, and his three children, Douglas Rider BeVille III, Amy Susanne BeVille, and Laura Ann BeVille, his grandchildren, Sally (Lance) Hunter, Susan (Chris) Forker, Chris (Annie) Elder, Becky Elder (Josh Warren), John BeVille and Barbara BeVille. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Isaac and Owen Hunter, Aila and Clementine Elder. Mr. BeVille was also a step-father to Debbie Finley and Jamie Finley, and a step-grandfather to Summer Finley, Chase Cunningham (Jessica), Finley Wright (Stephen), and Matt Cunningham (deceased).
In 1949 Mr. BeVille graduated from the McCallie school, where he was a Golden Gloves boxer. He was a member of the McCallie Glee Club and sang with Chattanooga Opera. He then attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a major in Business Administration. While in school he served as vice president of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and president of the Fraternity Relations Board.
Mr. BeVille served the Chattanooga community in many capacities: president of the board, Chattanooga Boys Choir; member, Chattanooga Roundtable of Christians and Jews; president, Life Underwriters of Chattanooga. He was on the Board of the Big Brothers Association of Chattanooga as well as being a Big Brother. BeVille served as director of the Family Camp Board of the YMCA, Camp Ocoee. He attended the first Family Camp, which was held in the late 1930’s, with his parents and other members of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and First Centenary Methodist Church. Mr. BeVille taught the High School Sunday School Class at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where over 70 young people would gather on Sunday mornings. He enjoyed golf and was an avid boater.
After Mr. BeVille retired as general agent for John Hancock Life Insurance in Chattanooga, he and his wife, Barbara, moved to Panama City, Fla., where he became a member of the Dominque Youx Krewe and was chosen King in 1993. He was also a member of BayPoint Yacht and Country Club; he also presided at the annual Easter Sunrise Service at the BayPoint Resort.
Services will be held at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 650 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 25. Guests are invited to visit with the family following the service in the church parlor.
Donations may be made to the YMCA Camp Ocoee, 111 YMCA Drive, Ocoee, Tn. 37761.
Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Share your memories online at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.