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Walter Beahm Obituary
Knoxville, TN - Walter C. Beahm, MD passed away surrounded by his children on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at his home.
Dr. Beahm was born in Midvale, Ohio on March 24, 1929. After high school, he graduated from Otterbein University in Westerville, OH in 1951 with a BS in Chemistry. He went on to medical school at Ohio State University in Columbus, OH where he met his future bride, Jo Ann Wood (married in September 1953), and earned his MD degree in Family Practice in 1955. He did an Internship at St. Rita's Hospital, in Lima, OH 1955-1956. He was a US Air Force Captain at the Armed Forces Examining Station in Knoxville, TN 1956-1958; He was a physician at the University of Tennessee Student Health Center 1958-1960. After starting his Family Practice on Kingston Pike in Bearden, he practiced family medicine (1960-1999) which included house calls, making hospital rounds, being on call for other doctors and receiving calls at all hours of the night, delivering babies, suturing cuts, cleaning abrasions after hours, and served his patients with a loving and giving heart. He never took off his stethoscope as he then volunteered at the Interfaith Health Clinic. He truly loved his calling as a physician and never met a stranger. He also volunteered at the Volunteer Ministry Center and Meals on Wheels. He was a golfer and an avid Vol fan
Dr. Beahm was a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) from 1963-1999, Tennessee Academy of Family Physicians (Lifetime Member) and served as President 1978-1979, Tennessee Medical Association, Knoxville Academy of Medicine, and member of the West Knoxville Rotary Club (President 1968-1969), longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan where he served on several ministries including serving on the Vestry through the years.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann Beahm, parents, Walter & Estelle Beahm, brother Jack Beahm. He is survived by his 4 children, Megan Swaggerty (Bill), John Beahm (Lisa); Lisa Mandrell (Keith); David Beahm (Regina); 8 grandchildren: Emily Reynolds Dickinson (Peter), Wade Beahm, David Beahm, Walt Mandrell (Kelly), Burton Mandrell, Joseph Mandrell (Kathleen), Paige Beahm, Chad Beahm (Allison), and one Great grandchild: Blake Peter Dickinson. He is also survived by his sister, Sue McConkey and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the family will hold a private Celebration of Life at the Church of the Good Samaritan at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, 425 North Cedar Bluff Road, Knoxville, TN 37923; The Interfaith Health Clinic, 315 Gill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917; or Rotary Club of Bearden ([email protected]). Also, the family would love to hear "Dr. Beahm" stories and may be shared in conjunction with his online obituary at Legacy.com.
Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Beahm
Sponsored by Cremation Options, Inc..
Kurt Beahm
May 5, 2024
Love you and thank you for your support from my automobile accident. You will not be forgotten
Nancy Griffin Moore (Pittsburgh, PA)
February 5, 2021
Warm memories of Junior. Good family times at "the farm" as we grew up.
Jean Baird
December 23, 2020
I first knew Dr. Beahm as my customer at Regions Bank. Later, I knew him as my Doctor and as my friend. We were in Rotary Club together, and finally we were partners in delivering Mobile Meals. He always impressed me with his deep love for his family and his children. He will be missed.
JohnR Llewellyn
December 23, 2020
Dear John and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. We moved to Knoxville when I was 5 years old. On the day we arrived I was sick and my parents called a doctor. It just so happened it was Dr. Beahm and he made a house call to the motel we were staying in. Your dad was one of the first people were met and how fortunate that was. Not only was he a great doctor, but a good man. He will be missed.
Thinking of you and your family,
JohnR Llewellyn
Jim Burns
December 22, 2020
I knew Dr Beahm thru Rotary. He always had a friendly smile, looked me in the eyes, and seemed to genuinely care about everyone. He will be remembered fondly at our club and missed. Prayers to the family
Joe and Posey Congleton
December 20, 2020
Walt was our doctor when we first moved to Knoxville. He and Jo were close friends of my older brother Lee and his wife Bobbie. We had a lot of great boat rides and memorable fun parties with Walt and Jo and their circle of friends.
Walt was so calm and collected in caring for our medical issues as a young married couple. His manner was "aw shucks" like, he told us we were going to be fine, and as it turns out we were.
He as our personal general practitioner family doctor from 1972 until 1999. We were blessed to have benefitted from his friendship to our family and his wise care for our health needs . And all delivered with such a great sense of humor.
We will always miss Jo and Walt when we think of the fun times from our initial move to Knoxville and on through the years.
Shirley Waugh Watson
December 20, 2020
So sorry to hear about your dad. He was our family doctor til his retirement. We loved him. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Shirley Waugh Watson
Shirley Waugh Watson
December 20, 2020
So sorry to hear about your dad. He was our family doctor til his retirement. We loved him. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Shirley Waugh Watson
Ty Prince
December 20, 2020
So sorry to hear about your Dad . He was a DR s DR. ,as well as my doctor even into my twenties. I was so blessed to be your neighbor with your beautiful family. All the great times at the pool with your mother s great laugh. Both will be missed .
Pamela Teague Downey
December 20, 2020
So sorry to hear this sad news. Thinking of you at this time. Great growing up neighbors. May he rest in peace. Prayers and kisses, Pamela Teague Downey, West Hills
Ronda Robinson
December 20, 2020
Dear Megan and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember many wonderful times with your family when we were kids. May the memory of your loving father be a blessing and comfort to you all.
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