Bob Beasley

"Bob" Beasley, age 86, of Dahlonega passed away Feb. 15. Bob was born in Britton, Michigan on Dec. 5, 1925 to the late Leonard and Gladys Beasley. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Ronald and George, and has one living Sister Doris Losey of Bath, Michigan.

He also was recently preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years Rosalie Ruth Beasley on October 18, 2011.

Bob grew up loving football and was a player for the Northville, Michigan High School and was an active student in the class of 1942. It was written in the high school yearbook that his dream was to be a grocery store manager. However before pursuing his dream he enlisted in the United States Army in 1944 during WWII. He serviced as a surgical technician with the Army Medical Corp. in the European theatre of operations. He assisted doctors and nurses in giving medical treatment and in performing minor surgery. He supervised the work of 15 medical technicians who were engaged in caring for patients and comforting them. While in the army he received a Victory American Theater Ribbon European African, Middle Eastern African Middle Eastern Ribbon with Bronze Battle Star, Overseas Service Bar, Good Conduct Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal.

After leaving the army, Bob pursued his lifelong dream of being in the grocery business. He started as a young boy working with his father in a family-owned, small grocery business where he learned his trade. He retired from Kroger Corp. and then later had a second retirement from Big Star and the Grand Union Corp. He opened the first major grocery store in Dahlonega in the early 1980s. After retirement he enjoyed fishing and doing community service. He was the St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary treasurer for several years and was an active member of the Dahlonega Lions Club. He also enjoyed watching old westerns like Gunsmoke and Bonanza, and reading Louis L'amour novels, but his biggest pleasure was faithfully watching the Atlanta Braves: Win or lose, he was probably one of their biggest fans!

He is survived by his sons Gary Beasley and daughter in law Paulette, South Lyon, MI and Jeffrey Beasley, Amarillo, TX, daughters Gail O'Connor and son in law Wilbur of New Albany, OH and Nancy Beasley of Dahlonega. There are six grandchildren Mark, Sheryl, Laura, Tessa, Samantha, and Matthew and six great grandchildren Katelyn, Melanie, Allison, McKenna, Travis, and Rayna.

Memorial Services to be held at Banister Funeral Home, Dahlonega on
Feb. 24 at 11 a.m.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega is in charge of the arrangements.