Virgil Ray Beasley

Virgil Ray Beasley, 77, of White Oak, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, February 23, 2024. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee “Bob” and Mary Velma Beasley. He is survived by two sons, Tyler Beasley of Durham, and 1LT Scott Beasley (Callie), two grandchildren, Ada Ray and Virginia Maria of Raleigh, and his sweetheart, Jennifer Barnhill of White Lake. 

As a young man in 1968, Ray enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving three years in Paris Island and Okinawa. When he returned to Elizabethtown, he joined his father’s business at the White Lake Marina. In the years after, he followed his passion to become a caregiver for the natural land, flora and fauna of North Carolina through the State Forestry Service. 

In the 1970s, as the White Lake Fire Chief, Ray would summons the volunteer firemen by tolling a bell heard all around the lake from the station rooftop. He served as a volunteer fireman for over 30 years. 

Ray had a sacred respect for the landscapes, the seashore, the wildlife and the beauty of the fields. An avid hunter, fisherman, an outdoorsman, he never missed an opportunity to blend into the splendor of the natural earth.

He valued people with the same passion. He brought out the best in others, investing his time, generosity, and kindness into everyone within his world. He embraced his closest friends as brothers and would do anything he could to support and encourage someone he loved.

Ray enjoyed and nurtured friendships. His Beasleyboro cookouts featuring beach music and shag dancing, oysters and wild-game suppers, staged against a moonlit bonfire gathering were legendary. 

Lovingly, carrying on his parents 50-year legacy at Trinity United Methodist Church, Ray loved his church family. He was quick to organize a fundraiser, fish fry, or to offer his home-improvement skills to a Sunday school classroom with a leaky roof.

When Tyler and Scott burst into his life, Ray became the dad for whom everyone wishes. He drew them into this world, introducing them to faith, family, and love. He showered his boys with opportunities, encouragement, and unconditional love.

Ray chuckled. He cheered. He was unpretentious. He was genuine. He was kind. He was a gentle soul. May we all be inspired to live more like that. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 11:00 am until 11:45 am in the Activity Building at Trinity Church with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 12 noon.