Justin Dale Beasley

Dec. 12, 1990–Oct. 09, 2011

Justin, age 20, beloved son of Thomas Dale Beasley and Tammy Seagle Beasley; and brother of Joseph Granville Beasley, passed away on Oct. 9, 2011. Greeting him at Heaven's gate were his MeMaw, Louise Goolsby; grandfather, Emerice Granville Seagle; and cousin, Cody Shane Amberson.

He is survived by his grandparents, Karen Henderson, Joyce Sharpe, Barry and Bridgette Beasley, Donnie Henderson and "Ninnie"; aunts & uncles, Lisa Amberson, Stacy and Darrell McDonald, Shane and Christina Matthews, Dewayne Seagle and Daryl Amberson; many cousins; and many friends whom he considered family.

He was deeply LOVED and will be greatly MISSED by all who knew him.

Services will be held on October 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Leeds, with viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Justin's honor be made to the Birmingham Zoo.

Eulogy for Justin Dale Beasley

The smiling clerk steps out from behind the photo counter. The young lady has brought her disk to have her precious photos printed in 1 hour or less. The concern in her voice causes the efficient clerk to assure her things will be fine. She asks, and who are you? Beasley, Justin Beasley, shaken not stirred.

We miss our Justin, if you knew him, you loved him. Dale and Tammy and Joe and all the family we share your loss. These moments together let’s paint a picture of Justin Dale Beasley.

On December 12, 1990 he entered the world at UAB. In the womb months prior to his birth, this drummer got introduced to the rhythmic sounds of the music that would define most of his passion. His dad transferred the beat, and the beat goes on. Like most babies Justin and his dad fought a two week battle the first two. Days and night were flipped and Dale stayed up all night and slept most of the day, just like his newborn son. In his teen years Justin would return to this birth pattern.

The family moved about some those first years of his life. Joe Joe came into the home three years later and the typical brotherly love began. Justin always picked on his younger brother, but he would do anything for him and always protect him. Justin went to Arthur Elementary and other schools but graduated from Leeds High School.

During his junior year he got his job at Walgreens and worked his way from clerk to Photo technician to Pharmacy technician. Always the charmer Justin diffused many angry customers and as always smiled and sought peace. All of his fellow employees are here today, a tribute to his winsome ways.

When the boys went away to a camp during the middle school years they returned to announce their salvation in Christ. Brother Jerry Jenkins got the whole gang in the baptistery. Jerry baptized Dale, Dale baptized Justin and Justin baptized Joe Joe. In the name of the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit, these men put on the uniform of Christ and declared their changed natures. Sin shall no longer have dominion.

Justin and his dad loved to hike, kayak and generally have fun. But let’s be honest, Justin was unashamedly a momma’s boy. He loved his mom and he petted and spoiled her and that was his gift to Tammy. She helped with dogs, animals in general, homework, decisions, heartaches over girls and the usual mom and son connections.

Justin was a full fledged member of the Birmingham Zoo, a card carrying member. His love of and interest in animals was very influential in his life and his interest never wavered. Maybe that’s why he and my Chloe got connected as best friends. His latest was a pug named Walter, spoiled rotten dog but Justin’s baby.

One name synonymous with Justin is Mr. Firehouse. Justin has been a drummer for many years and a good one. His garage bands have played many venues around town, but their home is the Firehouse. Justin was it seemed always there when not at work. The bands had awesome names like, Nebulous, Slave, Cloven Hoof, Weak Signal and all the ones he just jammed with. Justin had two passions, music and animals but I think music edged away some in the later years. Saturday night October 15 the Firehouse will host a memorial tribute to our beloved Justin Dale Beasley, Mr. Firehouse.

Allow me a personal minute and indulge an old preacher. Justin became a member of my family over the last five years. My wife called him a charmer, not a derogatory name but a term of endearment. His visits were home comings; he just walked in like he should have and greeted all of us with hugs and smiles and immediately went to petting Biscuit.

Over the last few years a tradition has developed around our Christmas tree. Chloe and Hunter and the gang, would gather for a great meal after Christy and I put up the tree. After dinner they would have a ball decorating the tree and trimming out the great room. I have a collection of pictures of Justin in the mix on ladders, tip toes and Christmas Sweaters hanging our keepsake ornaments. This year we will find a drummer and maybe a Pug dog ornament to be Justin’s for the tree.

I love the words of an old song. A song ain’t a song unless you sing it. A bell ain’t a bell unless you ring it and love ain’t love until you give it away. We are all richer today because Justin came into our lives and gave his love to us. We will see him again when we walk those golden stairs.