George L. Beach

George L. Beach
In loving memory of George L. Beach, a man of resilience and grace, whose journey began in Cataula, Georgia on February 27, 1938, amidst a bustling family of 11 children born to Jesse and Bessie Beach. He started his education in a one-room schoolhouse but despite the times and difficulties living in the segregated south, he overcame many challenges and graduated from Spencer High School in Columbus, Georgia in 1957. This would set the stage for a remarkable life ahead.
With unwavering determination, he ventured north with nothing but a single suitcase and the clothes on his back to attend Kentucky State College on a music scholarship; but shortly after arriving on campus he lost both his suitcase and his scholarship. In a show of the tenacity that he would display again and again throughout his life, he found a way to get his education by cleaning the chapel every week. During that time, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education and crossed the burning sands, joining Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc in 1959. He would go on to graduate from Kentucky State College in 1961.
Unable to find a job as a musician after college graduation, he decided to enlist in the United States Army. From 1961 to 1964 he served as an Army Photographer, which included a stint in Germany. During this time, the war in Vietnam was escalating. His Commanding Officer advised him not to reenlist, but put his education to use.
Traveling further north, he joined his sister Bessie and her family in Cleveland, Ohio and started pursuing a Masters in school administration. When he graduated in 1972, he didn't just have a degree but he had his wife Bettye Childs and their daughter Karyn Lanaye.
His path led him to a fulfilling 30+ year career in the Cleveland Public School system, where he excelled as an educator and mentor, earning many accolades along the way and leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. Sadly, during this time, he lost his wife Bettye due to complications from diabetes.
Amidst life's twists and turns, he later found love again with Laureen Grant-Tipton. In addition to becoming a stepfather to her three sons (William Leroy, Christopher Lamont and Marc Lawrence) in 1993, they welcomed their own daughter Nichelle Lynette into their beautifully blended family.
George would eventually go on to retire from the Cleveland Public School District but would continue to pursue his passion for multi-level marketing; beginning with Amway and ending with YTB, Your Travel Biz; a company he remained affiliated with until his death.
A kind and gentle man, George Beach was always quick to lend a helping hand, a kind word, smile or a story. A man of deep faith and compassion, his faith in the Lord carried him through many difficult times. His presence enriched the lives of many through his service at Liberty Hill Baptist Church and later at Calvary Presbyterian/New Life at Calvary, where he was an elder, choir member, Sunday School teacher, and officer in the Men's Council and 60+ Club.
George's legacy of kindness, faith, and laughter lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. May his spirit continue to guide and inspire us as we cherish the precious moments shared with a remarkable soul.
He is survived by his wife, Laureen Beach, his daughters, Karyn Lanaye Beach-Nanevi and Nichelle Lynette, his stepsons, William Tipton (Maryann), Christopher Tipton (Katie) and Marc Tipton, grandchildren (Taj, Christopher, Olivia, Cameron, Caleb, Jaiden, Alexandra and Gabrielle), sisters (Bessie Reese and Elinda Boynton-Gerald), brother (Bobby Beach), nieces, nephews, and friends.
Written by Karyn Beach
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