Robert David Nelson Bean

David Nelson Bean, age 83, died peacefully and unexpectedly on December 12 at 12:30 p.m. David is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margaret Bean; Surrogate Daughter, Pam Buchalter and her husband Alan; Two Surrogate Grandchildren: Brandon and Molly Buchalter, all of Marietta, Georgia; Two Brothers: James Bean of Fort Mill, South Carolina; Sam Bean of Lincolnton, North Carolina; and Nieces and Nephews including: Everitt Bean, James Douglas Bean, Richard Bean, Charles Stuart Bean, John Michael Bean, Johnny Bean, Tonya Bean, Gayle Propst, Debbie Propst, Robbie Alden, and Barbara Joe Propst, Bryant Register, and Matthew Register; an adopted Sister of Ringgold, Lynn Bunn; and many friends including Clarence Manning and his wife, Margaret, Wayne Manning, and Darrell Manning of West Armuchee Valley. David was close to members of Margaret's Family including: John Register, L.P. Register, Joyce McClees, Alma Register, and Sherri Register.
During the last two years of David's life when his health was failing, he was very blessed with a special caregiver: Jerrie Forest who, along with her family, Shawn, Destiny and Brandon had lunch with David just hours before his death. Corey Wright was an incredible blessing who worked with David every day and cares for the farm in Ringgold. Matt Albritton was a great supporter and manages the West Armuchee farm. Marilyn Byrd of Ringgold was a always there for the family along with David's long-term friend, J, C. Fincher. Mike Worley at Greased light'n was a blessing along with Dale McCurty and his family. David's very special Nurse Tiffaney with Hearth Hospice, his Social Worker, Susan and Dr. Penley took great care of David.
David was a man who honored God from childhood and "prayed about everything". He was someone who placed great value on Biblical Principles and practiced these in his daily life. David was recognized by others as someone with strong character and who inspired others with his words of wisdom and unique laugh.
Throughout David's life, he supported a message that was instilled into him by his dad when David was a child: Christians are always to love and support the Jewish people who are the "apple of God's eye". David followed this advice throughout his life in his relationships and support of Israel and the Jewish People. David made three trips to Israel with his wife and Hagee Ministries, San Antonio, Texas. David also visited Poland with his wife and Pastor Vincent Estill where David grieved over the tragedies of the Holocaust incleding the death of so many children. For over ten years, David volunteered with Christians United for Israel (CUFI) to bring Christians and Jews together in solidarity to support Israel. In this work, David developed a strong relationship with Michael Dzik, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga and Ann Treadwell, Program Director. David also admired and worked with Pastor Bret Yaeger of Dalton, Pastor Brandon Bishop of Calhoun, Pastor Joe Brown of Fort Oglethorpe, and Pastor Charles Bishop of West Armuchee Valley.
David retired after 32 years working for Norfork and Southern Railroad. He was well known across the Southeast for his registered herd of Santa Gertrudis Cattle and American Saddlebred show horses. David was a strong supporter of youth programs designed to teach children how to raise and show cattle. David loved farming and building things. He spent many wonderful hours on his farms in Ringgold and West Armuchee Valley. He was a member of Tunnel Hill First Baptist church.
Funeral services will be held at Wilson Funeral Home Wallis-Stewart Chapel, 443 Boynton Drive, Ringgold, Georgia on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 1 p.m. with Pastor Bret Yaeger and Pastor Dzik officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 10 a.m. till 1 p.m. Interment will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Turkey, North Carolina on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Jewish Federation in Chattanooga for Israel.
Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Home Wallis-Stewart Chapel, 443 Boynton Drive, Ringgold, Georgia 30736