John Beale Jr.

John A. Beale Jr. SMITHFIELD - John Addison Beale Jr., 85, passed away Tuesday, June 22, 2010. John was born in Norfolk on Sept. 23, 1924, the son of the late John A. Sr. and Esther Lee Dixon Beale. John was a lifelong resident of Isle of Wight County. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, John served during World War II. For some 36 years, John was a construction supervisor/line foreman for the Home Telephone Co., Continental Telephone and Verizon. He was a member of the Independent Telephone Pioneers Association. He was an employee of Colonial Funeral Home for some 15 years. John was active in the Golden Olympics, winning many medals in various sports. He was avid at the sport of horseshoes and had won trophies showing his skill and was known as a champion all over the state of Virginia. John was a member of Smithfield Baptist Church and the Baraca Sunday School Class and was a former deacon. He was a loving and supportive son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. In addition to his parents, two sisters, and his first wife of 33 years, Robbie Babb Beale, preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter, Lois Earle Beale Gwaltney and husband Donald Wayne Gwaltney of Smithfield; son, John Robert Beale and wife Teresa B. Beale of Franklin, Va.; three grandchildren, Christopher W. Gwaltney of Smithfield, Melinda G. Stoessner and husband Chris of Kill Devil Hills, N.C., and Marybeth Renee Gwaltney and Will Foss of Portsmouth. Also surviving is his wife of 25 years, Jane W. Beale; stepson, Steven W. Beaumont, and wife Rita of Smithfield; stepgrandchildren, Jeremy R. Beaumont and wife Leighanne and Adrienne N. Beaumont, all of Virginia Beach; his brother, Major Rudolph W. Beale (retired) of West Virginia; his lifelong friend, Fletcher G. "FG" Edwards and his wife Nancy; numerous nieces and nephews that loved him and affectionately called him, Uncle J. A service celebrating John's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 25, in Smithfield Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Donald R. Rhoton officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suffolk. The family will receive friends 6 to 7:30 p.m. today in Colonial Funeral Home and at other times at the residence. The family expresses many thanks to everyone that shared John's life with them - his friendly outgoing and joking ways will be missed by many. The family suggests memorials to Smithfield Baptist Church, Scholarship Fund, 100 Wainwright Drive, Smithfield, VA 23430 or to the American Heart Association, Isle of Wight Chapter, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield.