Ray Beasley

Ray Beasley, 92, died peacefully at home in Oviedo, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, one month before his 93rd birthday.

Ray was a Christian and a lifelong resident of central Florida. He was born at home, off Park Avenue in Winter Park, in 1928. When he was 4, the family moved to Oviedo, where his father, J.W. Beasley, ran the Lake Charm Fruit Company packinghouse. It was in that huge packinghouse that Ray, at age 6, began his career in the citrus business. After school, he would scramble up into the rafters, where the conveyor belt, with packing crates attached, would negotiate a particularly tight turn. Ray's job was to keep things moving along smoothly.

Ray attended school in Oviedo and graduated in the class of 1946. There were 11 in his class: three boys and eight girls, a ratio Ray no doubt enjoyed. He was a star athlete, playing first-string baseball and basketball beginning his freshman year. After graduation, he played semi-pro basketball for the Orlando Jaycees. Ray served his country as an Army paratrooper and was a Korean war combat veteran. Upon his return to Oviedo, he continued his career in the citrus business, following in his father's footsteps and those of his oldest brother, Joe Jr., running the Lake Charm Fruit Company packinghouse until it burned down the second time and closed for good. Ray then ran citrus operations for several companies, including his own, reluctantly ending his career at age 75 at Nelson and Company in Oviedo. Ray Beasley was, quite simply, the best citrus man in the state of Florida.

Ray was devoted to his community and served several terms on the Oviedo City Council in the late 1960s and early 1970s. At that time it was not about politics but rather was considered one's civic duty to serve. Ray also served as police commissioner and gave many current and retired law enforcement officers in central Florida their first job.

Ray loved his work, but nothing compared to the joy he took in his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Joe and Toppie Beasley; his brothers, Joe Jr. (Elsie), Ferrell (Juanita), and Earl (Jackie) Beasley; and sister, Charlotte (Dan) O'Steen; as well as many relatives and friends, particularly his lifelong best friend, Ben F. Ward Jr. Ray is survived by his devoted wife, Teri, of Oviedo, Fla., and his much-loved and cherished children: his daughter, Donna (Bob) Merchant, of White, Ga.; his son, Clayton (Sheila) Beasley, of Oviedo, Fla.; and his stepson, Brent (Beth) Bradley, of Savannah, Ga.

Ray was never happier than when he had his arms around his precious, much-adored grandchildren: Heather Merchant (Dave) Adams, of Fayetteville, N.C.; Brooke Merchant White, of Oviedo, Fla.; Garrett Bradley, of Savannah, Ga.; and great-grandchildren Keyan Merchant, Bridget Adams, and Grady Adams, of Fayetteville, N.C.

Ray is also survived by wonderful kinfolk, in-laws, neighbors, and friends. He loved every moment he spent talking or being with each of you.

Ray was a true Southern gentleman. He went out into the world looking for the good in everyone he met, but he was quite capable of handling whatever he encountered. He did not tolerate bullies. He worked hard and expected this from others. He was a man of few words, but he meant every word he said. He knew exactly who he was, having earned his confidence by successfully overcoming many difficult challenges in life. He led by example, always taking full responsibility for his actions. His handshake was his bond and more binding than any written contract. He was generous to a fault and always willing to help those in need. And how he loved to laugh, always finding the fun and humor in any situation.

In short, Ray Beasley was everything a man should be, and his like will not come this way again. We who love this extraordinary man will hold him in our hearts forever

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no service.