John Beall

1948 - 2025

John Beall

Born: March 18, 1948 | Died: September 24, 2025

John Barclay Beall, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

After growing up and residing in Lenoir, North Carolina, John felt blessed to call two of his favorite places home-Blowing Rock, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina.

John was "A Great American"-a phrase he reserved only for those he admired most, and one that fittingly describes him. He was known for his gentle humor, generous spirit, and unwavering support of those he loved. His fairness, loyalty, and steadfast character earned him deep respect and affection from all who knew him-family, friends, and colleagues alike.

Born March 18, 1948, in Lenoir, North Carolina, to James Harper Beall Jr. and Lorraine Willcox Beall (affectionately known as Daddy "B" and Mama "B"), John lived a life defined by faith, integrity, and devotion to family and community.

John graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1968 and was a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, where he forged friendships that lasted a lifetime. After college, he began his career at Beall Oil Company as a truck driver. Through hard work and vision, he rose to become its president, leading the company until its sale in 1998. During this time, he served as a Caldwell County Commissioner and was appointed to the North Carolina Department of Transportation by Governor Jim Martin. He also gave generously of his time to Grandfather Home for Children, where he served on the board for many years.

Following the passing of his beloved brother and best friend, James Harper Beall III, John assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of Fairfield Chair Company, a fourth-generation family-owned furniture business founded by his great-grandfather in 1921. He remained an active and guiding presence there until his death.

At the center of John's life was his faith in God. Raised at First Presbyterian Church of Lenoir (now Lenoir Presbyterian), where he served as an elder, he was most recently a devoted member of Rumple Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock, where he remained actively involved. His trust in Christ gave him peace and confidence, and he faced eternity with no fear, certain of his home with Jesus.

John is survived by the love of his life, the most beautiful woman he ever knew, and his constant companion of fifty-three years, Josephine Woodard Beall; his two daughters, Cameron Beall McIntosh (Mike) and Caroline Beall Brackett; his son, Jonathan Barclay Beall (Drew); and eight grandchildren, all of whom he was exceedingly proud: Leighton, James, and Gretchen McIntosh; Fin, Josie, and Beau Brackett; Harper and JP Beall. He is also survived by his two beloved sisters, Elizabeth "Betsy" Beall Gordon and Melanie Beall Williams; and by his "little sisters," Becky and Nora Wright.

John was proud of his family history-determined to honor and strengthen the businesses, church, and community his ancestors worked tirelessly to help build. He was a steward of his community, giving without expectation or desire for recognition, and he deeply touched the lives of all who knew him, and many who didn't. He loved his God, his family, and his country with his entire being. He was a Great American and, above all else, a faithful Christian. Now go in peace and be gathered with those who went before you. Yours was a life well lived.

A service to celebrate John's life will be held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Lenoir Presbyterian Church (formerly First Presbyterian). A reception will follow at the Fairfield Home, 1436 Harper Avenue, where family and friends are warmly invited to gather and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hurricane Helene Relief Fund at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church (Blowing Rock, NC), or to Camp Blue Skies, a nonprofit that provides enriching camp experiences for adults with developmental disabilities.

Online condolences can be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Beall family.