Beasley, Thomas Beam

Thomas Beam Beasley, 91, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, at his home after an unexpected illness. A private family service was held Monday. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include a daughter, Rebekah (Maged) Ghazy of Raleigh, N.C..; a son, John (Cindy) of Cedar Rapids; and a brother, Harry (Shirley) of Apex, N.C.

He is also survived by two grandchildren, John Alexander Wolff and Yasmeen (Eddie) Brock; and a great-grandchild, Ian Thomas Wolff, all of Raleigh, NC; and a special friend and care giver, Kathleen Murray.

He was preceded in death by his wife; a daughter, Mary Elizabeth; a brother, Richard; and a sister, Ann Costilo.

Tom was born Oct. 16, 1921, in Apex, N.C., the son of John and Edna Beam Beasley. He married Rebekah W. Watkins on March 14, 1946, in Raleigh, N.C. She died in 2011. Tom was a test technician at Collins Radio and retired from there after more than 32 years of service in 1983. He was a member of VFW and American Legion and proudly served in the Navy during World War II.

He volunteered with Theatre Cedar Rapids, the Abbey Creek School and the Linn County Sheriff's Department as McGruff for over 15 years.

Tom had a terrific sense of humor and was a distant relative of Jim Beam. He enjoyed woodworking and especially the time spent with his beloved family and many friends. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial donations may be given to the Cedar Valley Humane Society.

Please leave a message or tribute to Tom's family on the website under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Jan. 15, 2013.