Melvin Lee Beasley, born July 31, 1941, went to be with his Lord on May 2, 2013 after a ten-year battle with CLL and lymphoma. He was 72 years old. He was predeceased by his mother, Beatrice Annabelle Beasley, his father, John Morgan Beasley and his daughter, Carol Lee Beasley Cantrell. He is survived by Jan Grubbs Beasley, his wife of 49 years; daughter Joy Lynne Broom, son-in-law Vance (Skip) Broom; son Paul Merrill Beasley, daughter-in-law Amie Jo Beasley; seven grandchildren: Lauren and Elizabeth Cantrell, Emily Taylor, Chloe Broom and Sarah Mae, Samuel and David Beasley; brother Joseph E Beasley (Karen) sister, Mary Lou McGill (Howard), sister Johnnie Hatcher (Lamar), sister-in-law Nancy Grubbs Turner (Clarence, deceased), brothers-in-law Curtis L. Grubbs and Jonathan V. Grubbs and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Melvin grew up in Callahan and Jacksonville and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1959. He was retired from CSX Transportation after 34 years of service. Growing up, Melvin worked before and after school from age ten, along with his brother Joe, at their dad’s Shell Service Station on McDuff Avenue. The only excuse for missing work was football practice. He learned a strong work ethic at that station but more importantly, when he was thirteen years old, a customer shared the story of Jesus with him and invited him to go to church.
Melvin had a servant’s heart. If he heard of a need and it was within his means, he met that need. He helped neighbors, he helped strangers, he helped family. He was a kind, compassionate, loving man. He put others before himself. He was a member of First Baptist Church. He loved Jerry Ward’s Sunday School Class, where he arrived by 7:30 to get the coffee ready and make sure the chairs were set just right.
He loved his family, fishing and Gator & Bolles football.. He loved adventures with the grandchildren, which became known as ”Camp Papa.” He loved to cook. He loved time spent at Welaka exploring creeks and rivers with friends and family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. Melvin had no enemies. He left a large legacy and many footprints. He will be missed.
The family wants to acknowledge the excellent care given by the ICU healthcare providers and staff at Baptist Hospital Downtown and Cancer Specialists of North Florida. Thank you to so many friends, relatives and neighbors for prayers, cards, and calls during the long hospital stay. The Beasley Family will receive friends and guest beginning at 10:00 am Monday, May 6, 2013 in the Hobson Auditorium of First Baptist Church Jacksonville located at 124 W. Ashley Street, Jacksonville FL. We will celebrate Melvin’s life and all that he means to us in the Hobson Auditorium at 11:00 am with Rev. Dan Elkins officiating
The family requests that memorial contributions be made payable to Vystar Credit Union Account 702967463. Memo line should read: Murray Children’s Educational Fund. Mail to P.O.Box 9287, Fleming Island, FL, 32006. The children’s mom, Angie, and Melvin experienced the journey of cancer at the same time and mutually prayed for each other. Angie’s parents and parent-in-law are long term friends of the family.
Words of comfort can be left at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18