Luther Gene Beaver Jr.

Born in Salisbury, NC, Gene was a 1965 graduate of East Rowan High School. He faithfully served his country in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1969 during the Vietnam War, with deployments to the Philippines, Singapore, and Japan. While assigned to the USS Hornet, he assisted the recovery team that retrieved the astronauts from the Apollo 11 mission upon their return from the moon. In 1969, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Gene had a life-changing encounter with the Lord that defined the remainder of his life.

Following his military service, he attended Hobe Sound Bible College in Florida. From that point forward, he devoted his life to faithfully serving the Lord as a minister of the Gospel in churches across the United States and throughout Rowan and Cabarrus Counties. In addition to his pastoral ministry, Gene served with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office in the 1990s as a patrol deputy and school resource officer at West Rowan High School.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther Gene Beaver, Sr., and Annie Mae Beaver; and his grandson, Steven Beaver.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elaine Baker Beaver; his children, Rodney Beaver of Salisbury, NC; Bryan Beaver of Salisbury, NC; Randy (Kelly) Beaver of Hendersonville, NC; and Kristin (Tad) Ogg of Salisbury, NC; his brother, Eddie (Joy) Beaver of Easley, SC; and his sister, Teresa Beaver of Salisbury, NC.

He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Caleb (Remi) Beaver, Joshua Beaver, Bryleigh Beaver, Macie Beaver, Levi Beaver, Isaac Beaver, Brayleigh Beaver, Maddie Ogg, Zane Ogg, Emma Ogg, and Henry Ogg; along with a host of dearly loved family members, parishioners, coworkers, and friends.

Gene was known for his humorous spirit and his remarkable ability to love people well. He was a selfless man who would often give the last bit of money in his wallet to anyone he felt was in need. A lifelong learner, he was an avid collector of knives and a lover of books. He was a devoted caregiver, and his greatest earthly joy was his children and grandchildren.

Above all, Gene considered his call to preach the Gospel his highest calling. Those privileged to sit under his ministry would agree that he was a powerfully anointed preacher and a devoted student of the Word. Even in the last week of his life, he spent his days in Bible study with his brother — a fitting reflection of the way he lived.

Never one to boast of his generosity, it was only after his passing that the family learned of his involvement in the formation and development of the Cornerstone Foundation, a ministry dedicated to educating hundreds of Nigerian pastors.

Truly, he lived his life in faithful obedience to the mission and call of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was peacefully welcomed into the arms of the loving God he so faithfully served.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Trinity Church, 2200 Mooresville Rd., Salisbury, NC. Funeral services will follow at 12:50 p.m., officiated by Rev. Curtis Parker and Gene’s brother, Rev. Eddie Beaver.

Burial will follow at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Boulevard Salisbury, NC 28144.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the VA Hospital and Liberty Lane Hospice House for their compassionate care. They also extend sincere thanks to all who have expressed sympathy during this time of loss. Your love and prayers have been a great comfort.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared at www.linn-honeycutt.com.

Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Beaver family.