Joseph Franklin Beams Jr.

Joseph “Joe” Franklin Beams, Jr., 86, of Decatur, passed away on July 1, 2025. Mr. Beams was born on October 1, 1938 to Joseph Franklin Beams, Sr. and Ozelle Runager Beams in Decatur, AL. He was a Decatur High School graduate, attended Auburn University, and graduated with a Master’s degree from the University of Montevallo.

Joe was also a proud Army Veteran who was stationed in Turkey and served in Intelligence during the Berlin Wall and the Cuban Missile Crisis. After the Army, he had a long career as a Transportation Supervisor for the State of Alabama where he fulfilled the roles of Education Specialist, Pupil Transportation, and Accident Investigator. Joe was an avid runner in which he completed multiple marathons and ultra-marathons. He was also a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and was a world traveler.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Donna Shelton Beams; one son, Jody Beams (Susan) of Madison; one daughter, Kristi Anderson (Scott) of Decatur; one sister, Polly Partridge of Decatur; and 4 grandchildren, Kennedy Beams of Charleston, SC, Fisher Beams, Lucy Anderson, and Lily Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the River City Runners in Decatur or to the CCC.

A private family graveside service will be scheduled at a later date.