Guy R. Beale, Jr.

Norfolk - Guy R. Beale, Jr., 90, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2015. Born in Norfolk, he was the son of the late Guy R. Beale, Sr. and Margaret Harris Jennings Beale. Raised on Montclair Avenue in the Campostella area of Norfolk he attended Campostella Elementary, Ruffner Junior High and graduated in 1942 from Maury High School. He was preceded in death by his his son-in-law, Roy L. Eppes.

In 1942 Guy attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) for 6 months before entering the United States Navy. While in the Navy, Guy attended St. Lawrence University and Notre Dame University. He was a V-12.He graduated from St. Lawrence in 1947. He was a member of SAE Fraternity. Upon returning to Norfolk he took a position with Colonial Stores as Assistant Personnel Manager. In 1952 he joined his father-in-law Bill Paxton at Paxton Company. During this time at Paxton Company he graduated from Harvard Business School. He served as President and CEO of Paxton Company until his retirement in 1995.

In the late 1970's, Guy and a group of investors started Heritage Bank and Trust of which he served on the board of directors. He also served on the board of (Crestar Bank) Sun Trust Bank, board of Sunnyside Presbyterian Homes in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Served as chair of the "Friends Campaign" for Virginia Wesleyan College (1992).

Guy will be remembered for his love of family, love of country and faith in God.

Growing up on the Elizabeth River, Guy enjoyed a passion for sailing. This love of the water proved to be an asset during his time in the US Navy. As a young naval officer he was assigned to the USS Mahoa YTB519 . His mission was to navigate the ship through the Panama Canal. As he said, "the Lord was his guide". One of his favorite pastimes was to go sailing with the "Crusty Cruise" group in the Chesapeake Bay. In 1970's, Guy and other marine distributors in the United States decided to form the National Association of Marine Distributors (NMDA). He served as the President of the NMDA from 1966 -68 and again in 1976. A loyal member of the Kiwanis Club of Norfolk (joined in 1952) he served as President in 1973-1974. He received the Kiwanis International Legion of Honors and Life Member International. In 2011, Guy was honored with The George F. Hixson Fellow Award, the highest honor that is bestowed to a member through the Kiwanis International Foundation. Member of the "Nine Old Men" a men's club that started in the 1930's and has been continuously active since that time. Volunteered at the US Naval Museum at Nauticus.

Guy was baptized at Berkeley Avenue Baptist Church. Was a member of Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church serving as a deacon and as an elder (installed in 1969). He later joined Freemason Street Baptist Church and was very proud of his time served as a Deacon. For the last 5 years Martha and Guy have attended services at Westminster- Canterbury.

Guy is survived by his wife of 64 years, Martha Paxton Beale; daughters Martha B. Eppes of Sugar Land, Texas and Margaret R. Beale; son James G. Beale and his wife Vickie of Norfolk; and grandchildren Bryan L. Eppes and his wife Carey and their children Camille and Annabel, Gregory P. Eppes and his wife Jill and their children Paxton and Ellie all of Missouri City, Texas, and Nelson W. Beale, Austin R. Beale and Hannah E. Beale all of Norfolk. His sister Mary Margaret Black and her husband Frank of Churchville; and a sister-in-law Malvine P. Graham of Charlottesville. Guy is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Westminster-Canterbury for everything they have done for Guy.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 1:00 pm at Westminster- Canterbury. In Guy's memory, male guests are asked to wear their most colorful socks. Burial will be private in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maury Foundation, PO Box 6224, Norfolk, VA 23508 or to Westminster-Canterbury Foundation, 3100 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 or to the charity of your choice. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family through hdoliver.com.