Joel and I met some years ago working on a Chemicals project for Georgia Pacific.  At that time, I was getting my MBA in Project Management.  Joel would always coach and give me insights into the Whys and Hows during the project which truly helped me in my career and journey to become a Project Manager. I remember laughing and joking about how "The Process"was going with our project.
Fast forward to last year and I had been laid off from my job with a non GP company and had applied for a role reporting to Joel.  While I had many years of project management experience, I had never been in the IT world of PM.  I shared with Joel that I was scared of the IT world.  He asked me a few questions, challenged me on a few things and told me you got this.  
A few weeks before Joel's passing, I texted him that he would be proud and that I was adjusting to my role quite nicely.  He replied, "I was proud before, I knew you would do well".
Joel was such an amazing person, manager, mentor and friend.  He believed in the things I could do and I'm forever grateful that I knew him, was mentored by him, shared Christ as a brother with him and that he was my friend.  He believed in the work Icould do and always encouraged me to be the best person I could be.  Thank you Joel, I will miss you. Rest in Heaven and know I'm still keeping an eye on RJ...LOL
I remember this to help me understand that God needed Joel with him....
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. #Isaiah55:8-9


I met Joel a few years back on a project that crossed into division I was part of at the time. Quickly I was impressed with his work style and knowledge. He stood out as a Project Manager. Fast forward to 2018, Joel becomes a leader of Project Excellence Team and my direct manager. Quickly I realized what made Joel a standout in his field. 

Joel’s ability to form relationships was natural, genuine and easy. He was patient, supportive and kind even when having to deliver tough messages. I was amazed how he remained calm and dealt with situations that would leave us all frustrated and fuming. He was my mentor, and my Sherpa through the PM world. He saw in me what I had a hard time seeing in myself, encouraged and mentored me at every conversation. I often ask myself “What would Joel do in this situation”, and it guides me every time. He was truly one of the best.

I was excited to share my journey with him and sad that I will never have the chanced to do that in person. Joel, I know you are watching. Thank you for all you were and all that you gave our team. We are stronger and better for having known you. 

To his family I offer my deepest condolences. He shared personal family stories often and it was clear he was blessed and loved. May he rest in peace, Amen!


I first came to know Joel as the PM Guru at GP. He held informative info-shares and always came up with fun "break the ice" questions.

When the Project Excellence Leader position opened up in Packaging, I was hoping Joel would apply because I knew he would be great and would teach me so much.  I was lucky to have Joel as a manager, mentor, and friend.  I learned so much from him and I'm a better PM because of him. He taught me to not talk so much:) He was my sounding board and helped keep me sane during my crazy project. I'm going to miss him!!

While there is a big hole in the GP family, I know that heaven gained an angel.  I will be praying hard for comfort and peace for the Beasley family. 
With Love, Kathleen Vajda


Joel and I worked on a Chemical project together and one of my favorite memories of him was his smile. He was always so upbeat and always, always had something positive to say. The project lasted for over several years and we did a lot of laughing during a very difficult time, together.   Linda Obata - Georgia-Pacific 

I met Joel when I returned to Building Products in 2014 as an IT Business Analyst.  Joel was always kind to everyone he met, passionate about his career, and loved teaching others what he knew about project management.  From how he treated others, I knew he had others friends and family who loved him dearly.  Georgia-Pacific has lost a great employee, the Beasley family has lost a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather but heaven has gained another saint to go ahead of us all.  

Numbers 6:24 - 26
24 The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace

I had the honor of working with Joel for more than 10 years spanning two companies.  We met because we shared a project management career path, but we became fast friends because we were brothers in Christ.  There were many times we kept each other sane at work when the pressures mounted.  He was truly a blessing to me.

Joel was my lunch buddy.  We had standing lunches on the calendar every week.  When we worked at Mirant, Slopes BBQ was our favorite.  At Georgia-Pacific, Sensational Subs was the most often visited. We shared many a sub together.  We had subs as we talked about the latest developments at work and who was driving us crazy.  When I had drama as a member of a pastor search committee, Joel provided advice over subs because he shared a similar experience.  We had subs as we talked about family. During my marital woes, Joel provided Godly counsel that was dripping with wisdom.  He spoke from experience – a man who loved his family and was a rock of integrity and consistency.  It was at Sensational Subs that I nervously told Joel that I was being promoted to manager and he’d be reporting to me.  That was a heavy blow to Joel, but he handled it with grace and class.  We navigated that transition together as friends, coworkers, and brothers in Christ.  After Joel’s surgery I visited him and brought him a sub. I thought we would enjoy many more together.  Today I went to Sensational Subs alone.  I reminisced, fought back some tears, prayed for Rhonda and the family, and raised a sub to my friend.  Gonna miss you buddy.  


Elaine and I only knew Joel for a year.  When we moved to Marietta, he was one of the first people to welcome us to a JFBC Sunday School class.   He and Rhonda quickly become close friends.  

Joel's unpretentious demeanor and quick wit were only surpassed by his caring and kindness.  

Joel knew the Lord and walked the Christian path.  Even when he was so sick, he would ask about how we were doing.

His suffering has been replaced by the infinite bliss and contentment of being with our Lord.  

God bless you, Joel.


Compassion International

Visitation

Celebration of Life Memorial Service

Joel was dearly loved by Rhonda, his wife of 36 years; his children, Jennifer (David) Johnson and Allison (Derek) Hughes; 3 grandchildren; his parents, Al and Katherine Beasley, his sister and many friends and relatives.

OBITUARY

Joel David Beasley

April 1, 1958 – June 27, 2019

H.M. Patterson & Son-Canton Hill Chapel

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