OBITUARY

Melvin L. Beasley

July 31, 1941 – May 2, 2013

Melvin Lee Beasley, born July 31, 1941, went to be with his Lord on May 2, 2013 after a ten-year battle with CLL and lymphoma. He was 72 years old. He was predeceased by his mother, Beatrice Annabelle Beasley, his father, John Morgan Beasley and his daughter, Carol Lee Beasley Cantrell. He is survived by Jan Grubbs Beasley, his wife of 49 years; daughter Joy Lynne Broom, son-in-law Vance (Skip) Broom; son Paul Merrill Beasley, daughter-in-law Amie Jo Beasley; seven grandchildren: Lauren and Elizabeth Cantrell, Emily Taylor, Chloe Broom and Sarah Mae, Samuel and David Beasley; brother Joseph E Beasley (Karen) sister, Mary Lou McGill (Howard), sister Johnnie Hatcher (Lamar), sister-in-law Nancy Grubbs Turner (Clarence, deceased), brothers-in-law Curtis L. Grubbs and Jonathan V. Grubbs and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Melvin grew up in Callahan and Jacksonville and graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1959. He was retired from CSX Transportation after 34 years of service. Growing up, Melvin worked before and after school from age ten, along with his brother Joe, at their dad’s Shell Service Station on McDuff Avenue. The only excuse for missing work was football practice. He learned a strong work ethic at that station but more importantly, when he was thirteen years old, a customer shared the story of Jesus with him and invited him to go to church. Melvin had a servant’s heart. If he heard of a need and it was within his means, he met that need. He helped neighbors, he helped strangers, he helped family. He was a kind, compassionate, loving man. He put others before himself. He was a member of First Baptist Church. He loved Jerry Ward’s Sunday School Class, where he arrived by 7:30 to get the coffee ready and make sure the chairs were set just right. He loved his family, fishing and Gator & Bolles football.. He loved adventures with the grandchildren, which became known as ”Camp Papa.” He loved to cook. He loved time spent at Welaka exploring creeks and rivers with friends and family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. Melvin had no enemies. He left a large legacy and many footprints. He will be missed. The family wants to acknowledge the excellent care given by the ICU healthcare providers and staff at Baptist Hospital Downtown and Cancer Specialists of North Florida. Thank you to so many friends, relatives and neighbors for prayers, cards, and calls during the long hospital stay. The Beasley Family will receive friends and guest beginning at 10:00 am Monday, May 6, 2013 in the Hobson Auditorium of First Baptist Church Jacksonville located at 124 W. Ashley Street, Jacksonville FL. We will celebrate Melvin’s life and all that he means to us in the Hobson Auditorium at 11:00 am with Rev. Dan Elkins officiating The family requests that memorial contributions be made payable to Vystar Credit Union Account 702967463. Memo line should read: Murray Children’s Educational Fund. Mail to P.O.Box 9287, Fleming Island, FL, 32006. The children’s mom, Angie, and Melvin experienced the journey of cancer at the same time and mutually prayed for each other. Angie’s parents and parent-in-law are long term friends of the family. Words of comfort can be left at www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4115 Hendricks Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808.

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  • Memorial Service Monday, May 6, 2013
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REMEMBERING

Melvin L. Beasley

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Mark Murray

May 19, 2013

The Beasley family will always be the example of a Godly family due to Melvins leadership and love for others and Jesus Christ. Thank you all for everything you did during my Angies homegoing. God bless

May 10, 2013

Jan, Tom and I were so very sorry to learn of Melvin's passing. Such a great guy and I never think of him without laughing...He brought laughter where ever he was. And I never think of him without thinking what a great and steady man he was who loved our Jesus with everything in him. May God give you and your children and grandchildren the peace and understanding only He can give at a time like this.
Tom and Marti Carlisle
Atlanta, GA

Wanda Melampy

May 10, 2013

Mrs. Beasley,

I still carry a card in my Bible that says "Pray for Jan and Melvin". You both have been a blessing in our families life. Your dedication to the Lord and to each other is a blessing to us.

We are praying for you and your family.

I will never forget the children's lesson on the felt board with the bears:)

We love you!!!!!!

Jennifer

May 9, 2013

Jan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your husband was a wonderful man. He will be missed by all

Edward Jones

May 8, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Ed and Annette Jones

Lloyd Jones

May 8, 2013

Joe, so sorry to hear of your loss of your brother, Melvin. I missed seeing you at the 55th reunion. Maybe we'll have a 75th birthday reunion. Blessings!

May 8, 2013

Jan: My thoughts and prayers are with you. Deep sympathy in your loss---Nancy Kegley (Would call or write a note, but don 't have your address or phone number) We are living in Port St. Lucie, FL.(e-mail address is kegley12@ bellsouth.net) love & prayers.........Nancy

Frank Brubaker

May 7, 2013

Melvin and I were good friends from junior high school day's at John Gorrie (home room), through senior high school at Robert E. Lee, and he always made you feel you had a friend knowing him. May God's comfort and peace through Jesus Christ our Lord be with Melvin's loved one's and friends.

May 7, 2013

So sorry to hear of your loss -
Toni (Scott) Warren

Lloyd and Susan Jones

May 7, 2013

Joe, We are so sorry for the loss of your brother...We are praying for your family.

IN THE CARE OF

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home
Jacksonville, FL
904-346-3808