Floyd Wellington Beane

BEANE Floyd Wellington Beane was a man who will be missed, as he was loved and respected by his family, friends, and community in both Westfield, New Jersey, and his adopted home of Jacksonville, Florida. His journey started when his father, Harry Beane, emigrated from the small island of Bermuda and married his mother, Ethel Dary. They moved to Westfield, New Jersey where Floyd was raised. His mother was an organist in the church where he grew his faith and strength, St. Luke s AME Zion Church of Westfield. As a youngster, he became a fiercely competitive junior high and high school athlete, lettering in track and field, basketball and football. He received countless recognition for his amazing team contributions as a star halfback, leading his high school team to undefeated seasons. His personal scoring titles led him to the distinguished honor of being named to the New Jersey All-State Football Team in 1941. After the untimely death of his parents, he left his hometown, joined the military and served gallantly in the United States Navy during WWII. While stationed in Boston, he met his wife, Mary Hayes Beane, and they started their family. After the birth of their first child, Harry Stanley Beane, the family eventually returned to his hometown of Westfield, where his second child, Dorothea Beane was born. He worked tirelessly using his many skills as gardener, factory worker and hardware store worker until he found his calling as an honored member of the Westfield Police Department in 1951. The rookie police officer mastered the art of community service with a smile. As one of the town s first black police officers, he paved the way for others during some difficult years in the 1950s and 1960s. He greeted the public with his indomitable smile, guiding them through safe passage. He so enjoyed his work, he was known as the Whistling Policeman as he helped make the town safe for young and old alike directing traffic, walking through the streets, riding through neighborhoods, or working security details at local high school and town events, and competing on the Police Pistol Team. He remains an iconic figure loved by many for his years of service. Many still say, nobody did it better than the beloved Officer Beane who retired in 1988 after 37 years as badge number 1. He enjoyed his retirement in Florida, settling into the Grove Park area of Jacksonville, where he relaxed and made neighborhood friends as the easygoing Beanie as he was called. He played basketball and pool with the neighborhood friends until age 88. Still whistling, enjoying his big band tunes and loving life after a job well done. He has been remembered fondly through Facebook tributes from hundreds remembering his many contributions to his community, family and friends. He was a good man who lived a great life, inspiring many. His children, Harry and Dorothea, countless cousins, nephews, nieces, a granddaughter and great grandchildren loved him dearly. His friends will miss him and know that he is now in a better place, resting in peace, surrounded by those who passed before him welcoming him to God s place for everlasting life. A funeral service honoring Floyd s life will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073, (904) 264-1233, preceded by a viewing from 3:00 p.m. until the hour of service. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com