Balsam, NC — “Devoted Volunteer”

Ben Beasley Sr.  68, of Balsam, formerly of Cairo, Georgia, and Orlando, Florida, passed away Jan. 12, 2013, at The Homestead at MedWest.  He was born in Gainesville, Florida, on Sept. 11, 1944 to the late Clifford Carlton Beasley Sr. and Florence Mayfield Beasley.

He was a graduate of the University of Valdosta.  He had a long career in banking.  He was a dedicated volunteer to many civic organizations.  He served as mayor of Oviedo, Florida, in their centennial year of 1979.  He was past director of Florida Citrus Sports Association, member of Ye Mystic Revelers in Jacksonville, Florida.  He was active in the United Way of greater Orlando, he was a charter member of the Rollins College Scholarship Committee in Winter Park, Florida, and he was a longtime member of the South Orlando Kiwanis Club.

He worked for many years with the Citrus Classic golf tournament and made the transition to the national stage with Arnold Palmer and his tournament.  Ben took special pride in being a small hand in continuing the traditions and high standards that were started.  He was always proud to be an original member of the “Grey Coats” and served as chairman in 1990.

He was a devout Florida Gator fan and retired to his beloved mountains of Balsam as most friends are aware. He was feisty of temperament and he never claimed to be a wizard with words but his heart and spirit were always the true mark of the husband, father and man that he was.

Survivors include, his wife of 47 years,  Nancy Beasley, two sons, Ben Mayfield Beasley Jr. of Astor, Florida and Bill Beasley and his wife Tiffany of Orlando, Florida, one grandson, Breck Taylor Beasley of Orlando, Florida, two brothers, Michael Beasley and his wife Mary of Gainesville, Florida, and Clifford Beasley Jr. and his wife Scottie of Winter Haven, Florida.

Special friends, Mell Stephenson, Chip Landon, Hal Slayton, David Phillips and Anne Nimnicht, and his beloved cat, Miss Grey.

Memorial services will be held in the spring at First United Methodist Church of Cairo, Georgia.

Memorial donations may be made to the Arnold Palmer Hospital, 92 West Miller St., Orlando, Florida 32806

A guest registry may be signed at www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com.