Claude Ray Beam

Born in Rowan County on April 8, 1949, he was the son of the late Roy Osborne Beam, Sr., and Mabeline Harrington Beam.

Ray grew up in China Grove, NC and attended South Rowan High School. In 1967, he entered the United States Army, serving until 1971. SSG Beam performed his service under the Military Occupational Specialty (12F) Crane-Machine Operator. He also served with the 71st Transportation Company, under the 4th Transportation Command (Terminal) during the Vietnam War where his unit conducted terminal operations in a seaport in support of combat operations in a theater of war. His dedication to duty reflects great credit upon himself, his Unit and the United States Army, granting him an Honorable Discharge.

Ray’s earliest employment was at Johnson’s Superette Grocery, where he was a stocker, cashier and produce clerk. He later worked at China Grove Cotton Mill, Cannon Mills, Celanese and in construction. His last employment was with TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority Nuclear Plant) working as a garage attendant.

Ray loved NASCAR racing, wrestling matches, piloting small planes, for which he had achieved lessons and certification. He was active with Rowan County Fairgrounds for several years, loved cooking, family time, fishing, camping, traveling back and forth to Tennessee.

On October 10, 1968, Ray was baptized into Christ. He was a member of Kannapolis Church of Christ for many years.

Ray’s greatest achievement and joy in life was his family, especially his grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Janice Kirby Beam; daughters, Julie Streetman (Mike) of Granite Quarry and Joy Hartsell (Benjamin) of Salisbury; one brother, Roy Osborne Beam, Jr. (Debbie) of Salisbury and two sisters, Phyllis Isley (Don) of Burlington, NC and Becky Kluttz (Larry) of Mt. Ulla, NC.

Ray is further survived by six grandchildren, Sarah Streetman (Leo), Chris Streetman (Natasha), Mikayla Summerall (Jordan), Peyton Summerall (Caroline), Isabella Summerall (Ben) and Chris Hiatt (Jamie); and eleven great-grandchildren, Bella Jane Dimarzo, Rory June Dimarzo, Sophie Streetman, Maverick Streetman, Raelynn Thorpe, Asa Scott, Avery Dille, Emmett Dille, Shayne Hiatt, Rebecca Hiatt and Gunner Spencer.

The family will receive friends Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home.

The funeral service will begin at 1:30 PM in the Northcrest Chapel of the funeral home with Minister Steve Kirby officiating.

Ray will be laid to rest with military honors Friday, April 24, 2026, at 9:00 AM at Salisbury National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Novant Health – Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House 1229 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury, NC 28144.

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

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