Thomas "Alex" Beall Sr.

Thomas Alexander “Alex” Beall, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at the age of 84 after a brief illness. Alex, a lifelong Texan, was born on April 27, 1927 in Kilgore, grew up in Jacksonville, and spent his adult life in Tyler after graduating from the University of Texas – undergraduate and law school.

Alex was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Anna Ruth Bone Beall, and also a sister, Mary Ellen Beall. He is survived by four children, Tab and Bonnie Beall of Tyler, John and Cindy Beall of Austin, Joanna and Matt Wines of Houston, Francey Beall & Kathryn Rafter of Dallas; grandchildren Jennifer Beall, Trey Beall and wife, Stephanie, Parker Beall, Keegan Beall, Stephen Wines and Christine Wines; sister, Martha Beall Christian of Dallas and brother John G. Beall and wife, Kathy of Dallas, along with nieces, nephews and the Loved Ones.

Alex’ main interests in life included his profession, his love of music, volleyball, and family. As an attorney, Alex practiced law for over fifty years in Tyler and was recognized by the State Bar of Texas as a Fifty Year Lawyer. He was Board Certified in Real Estate law, but was probably best known among his colleagues as a delinquent tax attorney; his first property tax client was the Tyler Independent School District in 1959. Alex served as President of the Smith County Bar, and received the Justinian Award from the Smith County Bar Association for service to the legal profession and the community.

Alex sang in the Marvin United Methodist Church choir for just over fifty years, including annual performances of Handel’s Messiah. He also performed with the Tyler Civic Chorale, and in his retiring years participated with the Senior Choir at Marvin Church.

Volleyball was perhaps his greatest passion, starting in the Navy at the end of World War II, then playing “pick-up” noon volleyball at the Tyler YMCA three days a week for forty years. Alex was the player / coach of Marvin Church volleyball teams for over thirty years. For Alex’ sixtieth birthday party, his family organized a Volleyball Tournament at Marvin Church where the Beall family took on all challengers. Alex also played on a Senior Olympics volleyball team that won a national championship in St. Louis, MO.

Alex spent considerable time with family supporting his children in sporting events, theatrical productions, music performances and enjoying annual vacations. Alex had a great love for Dallas Cowboys football and Texas Longhorn football and volleyball. Alex was stoic, supportive and proud of his family. We will miss him, his good nature, sense of humor and his friendship.

A Memorial Service will be held celebrating Alex’s life at Marvin United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. Family will receive friends following the Service in Pirtle Fellowship Hall at Marvin UMC. Funeral arrangements are with Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested gifts to the Marvin Church Concert Series or to the Tyler ISD Foundation.

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