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John Beale Obituary

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jun. 24, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Jean & Marty Richardson

June 28, 2010

To Jane & Family, We were sorry to hear of John's passing. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. Thanks for all your support and love for Daphne & Don.

June 25, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Beale's passing. He was a really nice person and I have fond childhood memories of him. My prayers are with you all. Connie (Woolman) Nicholls, New Bern, N.C.

Anita Davis

June 25, 2010

To Lois and family, please feel the love and sorrow we feel in your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you always. Anita and family.

Irie Parker

June 25, 2010

Lois and family, I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Beale's passing. He was a great man and will be missed by many. You will always have your memories and the good times you all had. Thinking and praying for all of you at this time. Love, Irie and family

Melvin Evans

June 24, 2010

We are so sorrowful to hear of the passing of Mr. Beale. I worked with Mr. Beale when I first started to work at Continental Telephone Co. He was a wonderful crew leader. He was always freind and gentleman to everyone. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Personal Property

June 24, 2010

We are so sorrowful to hear of the passing of your dad John. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Officer S. Riddick and G. Parker, Deerfield Correctional Center

June 24, 2010

Mr. Beale and my father went to high school together (Billy Jones) and then worked at Colonial Funeral Home together. I saw Mr. Beale last year at my father's funeral. He was a wonderful man and my condolences go out to all the family. Sincerely, Teresa Jones Bryant

Dr. Robert S Brown, Sr.

June 24, 2010

JA was my first cousin, someone I admired all my life. He was a man of his word, devoted to his family, a Christian, and he surpassed most others in athletic skills all through his life time. If anything uncomplimentary was ever said about him, I never heard it. I join other family members in celebrating his life. Dr. Robert S Brown, Sr.

Rhonda Cowan

June 24, 2010

I am so very sorry to read of J.A.'s passing. He was so sweet and I will always remember him fondly. I will miss seeing him on Third Sunday every year. He was always there with a smile on his face and a big hug for me. My thoughts and prayers are with Jane, Lois and the rest of the family. With love always,
Rhonda and Mike Cowan

John Blanks

June 24, 2010

I'm sorry for your lost. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Sharon & Elmer Jones

June 24, 2010

We are sorry to hear of your loss. We know John will be greatly missed, an our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

June 24, 2010

Lois, and family. I am so very sorry to hear about your dad... Have comfront in knowing that the world was a much better place with his humor and smiles... You and your family are in my prayers... Much love Catherine Handle

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