He was born April 6, 1932 at home in Corfu, NY, the son of Samuel J. and Katherine Schlabach Beachy. The youngest of 10 siblings, he grew up on a dairy farm. At the age of 12 he made a personal commitment to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
He attended Corfu Central High School in NY and Sarasota High School in FL during the winters. When they were in Florida, he worked in the celery fields as a side job. At the age of 16, he began to learn the skill of carpentry. He attended Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, VA, ’53-’54 & Goshen College in Goshen IN, ’54-’55 where he studied music and sang bass in a number of quartets and choruses. In 1955, he entered voluntary service, serving for 3 months with the Russian Mission Alaska helping to build a log school in the village.
He married Shirley May Schrock on March 3, 1956 who survives him. He worked as a builder and finish carpenter early in his career and was a member of Alden Mennonite Church, Alden, NY where he led singing and was a member of the church quartet. In 1970, he purchased land and built a restaurant in Darien Center, NY. Beachy’s Drive In and Dairy Bar became known in the area for their delicious grilled hotdogs, Beachy Burgers, and soft-serve ice cream. He sold the restaurant in 1984 and a year later, moved to Sarasota, FL where he continued working using his carpentry and cabinet making skills.
He was well known for his fine woodworking abilities and marquetry, making beautiful pieces such as clocks, foot stools, plant stands, coffee tables and more. He donated many of his items to the Sarasota Christian School benefit auction. He was a member of Bahia Vista Mennonite Church and founded the gospel quartet “New Life Sound” in 1987. Over the next 20 years the group produced several albums and traveled from time to time singing in churches up and down the east coast and Canada.
In addition to his wife of 65 years, he is survived by three daughters, Sherry (Dennis) Swift of Cogan Station, PA, Pam (Jon) Kanagy of Timberville, VA and Annette (Troy) Peachey of Arcadia, FL; 7 grandchildren, Regina Kanagy, Stephanie (Kyle) Ferlic, Mandy (Scott) Pulliam, Hannah (Nick) Miller, Shem, Luke, and Abigail Peachey; and 4 great-grandchildren, Feren, Trinity, and Cannon Pulliam and Baby Miller due August 2021. He is also survived by 2 brothers, David Beachy and Calvin Beachy and sister Marie Myers. He was preceded in death by siblings, Martha Nafziger, Lewis Beachy, Sarah (Sally) Mast, Jonas Beachy, Alvin Beachy, and Grace Christner.
A private burial for family members will be held on Saturday, July 24 at Bethel Mennonite Church in Sarasota, FL with entombment. A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 26 at Bethel Mennonite Church. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm followed by a service at 2:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.
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