Beale E. Hayhurst

Beale was born November 26, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio, the middle son to Ivan and Clara (Dunlap) Hayhurst. He grew up in Gahanna, Ohio. He graduated from Gahanna-Lincoln High School in 1961. He worked all day and attended night classes at Franklin University.

He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Bobbie Lee Hayhurst and Nord Hayhurst. Beale leaves behind Nancy, his devoted wife for 48 years; two loving children, Christopher Hayhurst and Erin Temple (Chris Healey, Sr.), brother, Keith Hayhurst (Suyapa), grandchildren, Elizabeth, Eric, Elisha, and Eli; great grandchildren, Aaden, Raven, Logan, and R.J. IV; a niece and several nephews; friend and brother-in-law, William Newlen (Linda Kepler), a special niece Brittnee Walker (Huston); and longtime family friend, Patricia Peters.

Beale began working at Tractor Service and Supply in 1972 as a bookkeeper. Beale became a partial owner with his longtime friend and business partner, Rex McDermott. He and Rex purchased the company when the original owner retired. Beale created the business system software, which is still in operation today. In the fall of 2021, Beale developed short term memory concerns, which led to his retirement in January 2022, which was an adjustment as he loved his job, missed his co-workers, and interacting with customers.

Beale could be found walking his dog, smoking his pipe, or cutting the grass with his riding mower, which he lovingly called Big Red. He and Nancy enjoyed the Cleveland Indians games.

Beale was involved for many years in men’s bible studies; he was an active member for 30 years at Grace Polaris Church in Westerville, until his health prevented him from driving. Whenever possible, in later years, he would attend Linworth Baptist Church in Worthington. When health conditions prevented church worship, he would listen daily to radio or TV ministries of faith leaders. As his memory issues worsened, he faced daily challenges, but never lost the joy of his salvation. His faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, by grace, was his daily comfort. He would frequently say “I am not afraid of death, because I know where I am going”.

For many years, Beale would stop at Bob Evans on Bethel Road in the early morning before going to work. He became acquainted with a number of other patrons – an eclectic group consisting of a retired engineer, a couple of small business owners, educators, and a retired judge. After retirement, one of these gentlemen, George Bell, would take Beale to breakfast once a week and would meet up with his old friends – they would laugh, tease each other mercifully, and solve the world’s problems. It was the highlight of the week.

In early June of this year, Beale and Nancy left a neighborhood they loved. The move was traumatic for him with his memory difficulties. It was further complicated for safety concerns when entered Danbury of Columbus Memory Care with Corso Care Hospice.

He was a kind and generous man to everyone he met and will be greatly missed. Those wishing to make memorial gifts in Beale’s honor, please consider Grace Polaris Church, Linworth Baptist Church, Tunnel 2 Towers, Samaritan’s Purse, or the Columbus Humane Society. At his request, a private family burial will be held and a Celebration of Life will be planned in the near future.