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Friends remember Joe Beasley

Friends remember Joe Beasley

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Friends remember Joe Beasley

Former RiverPAC director loses battle with cancer

news@theeveningtimes.com

West Memphians mourn the loss of RiverPAC Executive Director Joe Beasley.

Beasley served the city four three years and was active in both civic groups and community causes, passed away New Year’s Day.

Mayor Bill Johnson and 8th Street Mission for Jesus Christ Director Larry Brown shared their thoughts about Beasley.

Beasley enjoyed writing music and singing and was remembered for his kindness and sincere interest in others.

“Joe passed away quickly,” said Johnson. “He worked hard and had a lot of good ideas and plans that he did not have a chance to see through to fruition. He didn’t have the opportunity to see the results of his labor.”

Beasley had announced his retirement from city service for the start of the this year.

“Joe had made a decision to be retired this year,” said Johnson. “So he didn’t get to enjoy retirement either, which is very sad.”

The mayor spoke strongly of Beasley’s character.

“Joe was a very fine, conscientious, dedicated and loyal person, said Johnson.

‘It was a shame he had to go so quickly. He didn’t live but two months after he was diagnosed with cancer. We will miss Joe and remember him a long time.

He did a lot of good.”

8th Street Mission Director and Lions Club President Larry Brown and Beasley worked together both with the Lions club and at the mission. Beasley was an official “friend of the mission” and the secretary for the Lions club in West Memphis. The Lions bestowed its highest recognition, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, to Beasley posthumously.

“I lost a real close friend of mine,” said Brown. “We went out once or twice a month. I was with him at Thanksgiving. He wanted all of his family around. He gave me a hug and wouldn’t let me go. He told me he loved me. He got what he wanted – to be with his family one last time. I think Joe knew then that he was soon going to be leaving us.

“Here is what I want people to know: Joe was a man that was very, very in love with the Lord and had a very compassionate heart.

He had a real compassion for the men at the mission.

A lot of people don’t know this but Joe took his own personal money to buy tickets for those at the mission to attend the plays and concerts at RiverPAC. Joe was a giver. He was recognized by everybody by his smile.

He was great man and I will miss him dearly.”

By John Rech

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