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Jerry Beach Obituary
Jerry Marlon Beach, 74, died Sunday, January 10, 2016 following a lengthy illness. Born in Oklahoma City on December 11, 1941, where his father was stationed with the U.S. Army Air Corps, he was descended from pioneering families in Shelby County, Texas. The family was stationed in numerous locations during his childhood, and he spent his first two years of high school in London, England, where he learned to play guitar, before the family settled in Bossier City.
Jerry graduated from Bossier High School in 1960, and briefly attended Northwestern State University, but by then he was already sitting in with local bands playing guitar and singing. By the mid-60s, he and Danny Harrelson were headlining local clubs as "Danny & Jerry". He was a fixture and favorite on the regional music scene for 56 years in several bands, including the "Jerry Beach Band" and "Robin and the Bluebirds". Until November, he dedicated every Monday night for 30 years to hosting a Blues Jam every week. He also taught guitar lessons for many years.
He was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 1998, but his international fame resulted from his songwriting. In 1972, the late Albert King recorded Jerry's "I'll Play the Blues For You", which became a #1 R&B hit and has been covered by many artists. Jerry was nominated for a Grammy for the song.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Marlon Beach and Loyce McDaniel Beach, two brothers, Earl Dewayne Beach and Kenneth Wayne Beach, and mother-in-law, Jettie Smith. He is survived by his daughter, Robin Beach Black; three grandsons, Ian Walsh, Cole Black and Cullen Black; former wife Sandra Smith Beach, all of Shreveport; and brothers Randal Beach of Dallas, TX and David Beach of Washington, D.C.
A memorial service will be held at Rose-Neath, Marshall Street, at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2016. Interment of his ashes in the family plot at Lone Cedar Cemetery near Joaquin, Texas will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2016. The family will receive friends from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials may be made to Renzi Art Center, 445 Egan St. Shreveport, LA 71101.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Beach
Ed Hall
January 11, 2024
Jerry, Spent many a night on the Strip dancing to your Blues sounds. Looked forward each weekend to enjoying and dancing to the music you put out. You were a good friend.
Speedy Mercer
January 7, 2021
Think of you often, Jerry. You were a good friend, great singer/songwriter, and I greatly enjoyed the times I got to jam or play gigs with you.
Rest In Peace, Jerry
Kay Summerville
January 16, 2016
Great entertainment and a friend since the 60's. RIP. Hugs to Robin. I know you will miss him so much,
Martha Koelemay
January 16, 2016
I remember Jerry and his music so well--my husband Jimmy (also a musician) and I used to enjoy going to wherever he and his band were playing. Jerry was one of the "good guys" and will be sorely missed. Blessings and sincere condolences to the family.
Karen Hogan
January 15, 2016
I have memories of " Danny be Jerry". The great sound they had was unique to them, enjyable
I was a fan of Jerry Beach and his music. He was a very generous man, sharing his talent and giving a non professional like me a chance to live her dream once in a while.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and the many friends left to cherish his memory and remember his music. Karen Hogan
Raymond Barton
January 15, 2016
Very sorry to learn of Jerry's passing. Grew up in Shreveport listening to his music, then, just before retirement in my 50's, Jerry taught me to play guitar; great memories from those lessons. Thanks, Jerry. RIP.
Victor Pizzolato
January 15, 2016
Robin,
So sorry for your loss.
January 14, 2016
Suzy McChesney. thank you for hours of wonderful entertainment and a wonderful daughter.
Michael Foster
January 14, 2016
A big piece of the local Blues Scene has left us way too soon. RIP my friend
Bill and Judy Parish
January 14, 2016
RIP Jerry! Praying for the family!
Michael O'Neal
January 14, 2016
RIP Jerry I will always remember your Music heard on the Strip and at Keesler AFB in the 60'S.
Alice Shirley Finton
January 14, 2016
So happy to call Jerry a friend for many, many years. Praying for his family. May God Bless You all.
Robert Honeycutt
January 14, 2016
RIP Jerry. You were a true inspiration to many and you were one of the biggest reasons I picked up guitar.
Susan May
January 14, 2016
RIP and I know you will, prayers to his family and friends.
Robin Giecek
January 14, 2016
Much love & heartfelt sympathy.
Ginger Beaird
January 14, 2016
Rest in peace my friend. My thoughts and prays are with the family
Jean Ann Whitehead
January 14, 2016
Prayers for the family, he leaves a legacy of great pickin' and leaving a mark of Louisiana' s best
Lisa Self
January 13, 2016
RIP Jerry. I truly enjoyed Monday Night Blues Jam at Lee's. Thank you. You are, "Up where you belong". Hugs to Robin and all family and friends.
Barbara Talbot
January 13, 2016
Prayers for the family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Jerry.
Buddy & Lisa Lee
January 13, 2016
Word can't express the pain I feel for Robin and her family. Jerry was a wonderful soul. Prayers to the Beach-Black Family.
Kimberlane Clement
January 13, 2016
Prayers for the Beach Family. Jerry, you may be gone but you are not forgotten.
James Pottorff
January 13, 2016
Rest in peace my friend. We will all meet up again one day in heaven. Until then, you will be sorely missed.
Eric Von Hollen
January 13, 2016
You were the man Jerry and always will be to all of us.miss you dearly and love you,brother.R.I.P. my friend.
January 13, 2016
Rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
January 13, 2016
Rest In Peace " Blues Man "
barbara hester
January 13, 2016
We will keep his memory alive and pray for his family.He was part of our musical family for a long, long time.He will be forever missed at Lee's.We were also very proud of him.
Rory & Lisa LeGrand
January 13, 2016
So sorry to hear this. Prayers for the family.
January 13, 2016
To the Beach Family, Randall, David, and Robin.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am a second cousin from the Hanson side of the family.
No one could sing "Danny Boy" like Jerry.
He had such a unique talent. He will be missed by many.
God Bless Your Family.
Richard & Charlene Templin
Dallas, Tx.
BaLinda Aultman
January 13, 2016
So very sorry for your lost. Robin know that your Dad now flys with all the stars in the sky.
Shelly Deacon
January 13, 2016
RIP Dear Man. Your music will live on thru your precious daughter Robin and in the many people you have touched.
Glen Haddock
January 13, 2016
Jerry was my sons' guitar teacher and was always encouraging and genuinely interested in their well being. Never was too busy to talk to the boys. In his own words "' 'preciate cha"
Lynette van Heerden
January 13, 2016
Robin and family may peace and comfort follow in the days to come. Jerry will be surely missed R.I.P.
Kenneth Maniscalco
January 13, 2016
Thanks for the music and good times Jerry!
Jerry Beach at Tommy's Place
Speedy Mercer
January 13, 2016
Thank you for your kindness, sharing your talent and knowledge and being a friend. The world needs more musicians like you Jerry. You are loved and missed by many. Rest in peace and tell our brothers hello and save us a seat at the jam up there.
Elyana Mergey
January 13, 2016
Friends for so many years...I will miss you and your beautiful music....Go ahead and pick that Guitar in heaven...They all know who you are...Love, Elyana
January 13, 2016
Play on my old Friend and save me a chair.
The Nice Young Man
Hines
January 13, 2016
May God be your strength in this time of sorrow Matthew 5:4 "Happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted."
Sid Crump
January 13, 2016
He influenced a lot of people and was always nice and encouraging. He will be missed.
Hardy Evans
January 13, 2016
R.I,P., Jerry. When you were playing somewhere, I always made an effort to come see and listen to you.
I first heard you sang the song.
"TO LOVE SOMEBODY"
It has been my favorite song for ever.
Ed Hall
January 13, 2016
Jerry being called home home by our Lord will leave a big void and will be missed greatly by the music and entertainment industry....All knowing him has lost a beloved friend ... I cut many a dance step to "Danny and Jerry" and later just to Jerry..Rest in Peace, my friend..My condolences to Robin and rest of your family...
Susie Chandler
January 13, 2016
Jerry was an area musical icon. He will be missed but his legacy will not be forgotten. Prayers to all his family and friends.
Angela Woodrow
January 13, 2016
The music community suffers a great loss. RIP Jerry
Graham Rogers
January 13, 2016
My condolences to all who miss Jerry, all of my love to Robin and family. Jerry was always a good friend and neighbor. I am grateful I got know one of the coolest cats around.
Gwen Herndon
January 13, 2016
Rest in Peace my friend. I'm sure you are in great company, with all the Kings of Music, in the celestial heavens.
You are greatly LOVED and will be sorely missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with Robin, Sandy and the Grandbabies.
I'm so grateful to have had
You in my life, and having spent time on the road with you, traveling to gigs.
Heaven is a brighter place today, because of your
presence.
Tina Beach Smiley
January 13, 2016
We will all miss you, my dear sweet uncle. You are with my Daddy now who loved you so very much. Your legacy will live on through the lives of everyone you taught, played music with and especially through your beloved daughter, Robin who loved you more than anything. You are at rest now but your spirit will always be with us!
Calvin & Eileen Smiley
January 13, 2016
Sorry for your loss.
Jenny Senier
January 13, 2016
God bless Robin and all of Jerry's family left behind missing him. He left a huge mark on the hearts of many and in the musical world. I'm glad I got to meet him.
Ken Kennington
January 13, 2016
He was always a favorite of the cowboy group I ran with back in the 80's we heard him at Blues many nites, prayers to all of the family
Steve Wilkinson
January 13, 2016
It's not what you take when you leave the world behind you, it's what you leave behind when you go. Jerry, you taught many musicians. Your legacy will live forever. We love you and miss you, but we'll see you again someday.
Sonny Rambin
January 13, 2016
We'll all miss you Jerry - save a place in the celestial jam for us...God bless you & bless your sweet family. Love, Sonny & Jen
Jerry Tanner
January 12, 2016
Prayers for the family I knew and played music with JERRY at blues in the 70s a great musician and person rip Jerry
Ann Turner
January 12, 2016
I am praying for all of Jerry's family. I haven't seen Jerry in many years but back in the day I worked with Danny and Jerry on stage. Jerry was a gentleman and a person who really cared to help people. I was so sorry to hear the news on his death from a friend.He could play that guitar like no one else. He was a real R&B players. Robin I don't know you but I hope I can find where you play. God bless all family.
Judy Kennedy
January 12, 2016
Rest in Peace Sweet man
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Rose-Neath Funeral Home - Shreveport1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
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