Robert H. Beasley Jr., 82, died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2001, at his home in Soddy-Daisy.
Born in Tuscumbia, Ala., he had received a full football scholarship to Southwestern College (now Rhodes) in Memphis. In 1943, he attended midshipmen's school at Columbia University and PT Boat School at Narrangansett Bay in Newport, R.I. During WWII, he was captain of PT 220. His squadron was awarded the Navy Unit Citation for action in the Philippines. He was awarded the Bronze Star. Mr. Beasley was a full lieutenant senior grade.
In 1961, Mr. Beasley became owner of Beasley Distributing Co. Inc., the Anheuser-Busch distributorship in this area. He has been awarded numerous educational scholarships in area high schools and colleges to deserving students. He was responsible for this area's successful "Night to Remember" gala, which benefits the United Negro College Fund.
He was preceded in death by a granddaughter.
Survivors include his wife, Janice P. Camp Beasley; stepson, Jeremy Camp; three daughters, Virginia Beasley Buzzell, Macon, Ga., Kate Beasley Dilworth, Lookout Mountain, Tenn., Miriam Beasley Lykes, Tampa, Fla.; and 11 grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. from Williamson and Sons Funeral Home with the Honorable Sam Payne officiating.
Interment with military honors will follow at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Hamilton Memorial Gardens, Hixson.
Family will receive friends on Monday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. and then on Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.