Roger Kay Beasley

Roger K. Beasley, a pioneering Texas automobile dealer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and lifelong supporter of The University of Texas at Austin, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026 at the age of 87 in Austin, TX at home.

Roger K. Beasley lived a life defined by hard work, integrity, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to his family, his community, and The University of Texas. A visionary entrepreneur, respected businessman, and loyal friend, Roger built far more than a successful automotive business—he built lasting relationships, created opportunities for thousands of employees, and left an enduring legacy throughout Central Texas.

A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Business Administration, Roger began his professional career in consumer finance before advancing into mortgage banking. Although successful in that field, his lifelong passion for automobiles ultimately led him to pursue his dream of owning a dealership.

In 1972, Roger established what would become the Roger Beasley Auto Group with a single franchise, three employees, and an unwavering belief that treating people with honesty and respect was the key to lasting success. Over the next four decades, he transformed that modest beginning into one of Texas' premier automotive organizations, growing to 13 franchises and 11 dealerships employing more than 600 people.

Under Roger's leadership, his dealerships consistently ranked among the industry's top performers for customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and outstanding management. Manufacturers sought him out because of his reputation for integrity, and he earned numerous national honors throughout his career. Among his proudest professional recognitions was being named by Ford Motor Company in 2001 as one of its Top 100 Dealers Worldwide.

Roger's influence extended well beyond his dealerships. He served as Vice President of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association, was a member of the Board of Directors of JPMorgan Chase, and served on dealer advisory councils for American Motors, Mazda, and Saab. Throughout his career, he was widely respected for his leadership, sound judgment, and commitment to advancing the automotive industry.

Perhaps no institution held a more special place in Roger's heart than The University of Texas at Austin. A proud Longhorn throughout his life, he was a devoted supporter of both the University and its athletic programs. For more than four decades, he provided vehicles to UT Athletics and generously supported Longhorn student-athletes. As a Life Member of the Texas Exes, Roger believed deeply in the power of education and established the Alma Beatrice and Finley Floyd Beasley Endowed Scholarship in honor of his parents, creating opportunities for generations of Llano High School graduates to attend UT. In 2024, Roger and his family established the Tamra Kay Beasley Endowed Nursing Scholarship at the UT School of Nursing in memory of his daughter, ensuring that her legacy of compassion and service would continue through future generations of nurses.

Roger also believed strongly in giving back to the community that had supported him. He quietly and generously contributed to numerous civic and charitable organizations throughout Central Texas, always preferring to let the impact of his giving speak louder than recognition.

Beyond his remarkable business accomplishments, Roger will be remembered most for the way he treated people. He valued loyalty, rewarded hard work, and believed every employee deserved the opportunity to succeed. Many members of the Roger Beasley Auto Group spent their entire careers with the organization, growing alongside the company Roger built and becoming part of what he considered his extended family.

Away from work, Roger found joy in running, skiing, horse racing, whitewater rafting, and fishing. He loved competition, adventure, and the outdoors.

Roger was preceded in death by his daughter, Tamra Kay Beasley. He is survived by his wife, Karen Pospisil; his grandchildren, Carson and Kaylee Bashaw and Avery and Keith Bon; and his great-granddaughters, Iris Bashaw and Finley Bon.

Roger measured success not by the number of dealerships he owned, but by the people he was able to help along the way. His legacy lives on in the employees whose lives he changed, the students whose futures he made possible, and the countless friends, customers, and colleagues who were fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Roger.