John Paschal Beasley
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John Paschal (J.P.) Beasley, 90, of Fayetteville and Pinehurst, passed from this life following a graceful struggle with complications from Alzheimer's disease on March 17, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.
Known as J.P. to his family and close friends, was born on April 24, 1931, to the late J.E. Beasley and Lillie Tart Beasley in the Meadow community near Benson, NC. Due to the death of his mother at age 41, he left school in the 8th grade to work on the family farm and help raise his younger brothers and sisters. At age 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following basic training at Ft. Jackson, SC and his initial station at Ft. Benning, GA, he was sent to join the U.S. forces in Japan and Korea during the Korean War. He was involved in the Inchon Landing and in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir against the Chinese in 1950 with temperatures as low as -37 degrees F. By the grace of God, he was one of eleven soldiers in his company of 150 to survive this Battle. He was honorably discharged in 1952 with a rank of Sergeant First Class. He was awarded various service medals including the Silver Service Star. J.P. was a national award finalist for his article, "Eleven Came Through", describing his experience in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir.
Following his honorable discharge as Sergeant First Class, he returned to Benson to finish high school and work on the family farm. It was during this time he met the love of his wife, Doris Wood. Following graduation, they were married on January 14, 1956. They made Fayetteville, NC their home for more than 60 years. He was an owner of Tart's TV from 1956 until its sale and owner of Beasley's TV & Appliance until its sale. He served a term as President of the N.C. Retail Merchants Association.
Following his retail endeavors, he began a life of public service in various capacities including being a Regional Personnel Director for the NC Department of Human Resources during each of Gov. Jim Hunt's administrations. He was also the Town Manager for the Town of Hope Mills for several years until his retirement.
He was preceded in death by wife, Doris (2016), siblings, Moses, Myrlene Blackmon, Myrtis Parson, Melvin, Dan, Sherrill, and Mildred Hockaday and son-in law, Edward Raliski.
He is survived by his and Doris' children, John Kevin Beasley and wife, Teresa, Karen Beasley Raliski, and Jody Keith Beasley and wife, Cindy, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Graylon, and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.
J.P. was a dedicated and loyal husband and father and gave back to his church and community in many ways. He was a long-time member, Sunday School teacher and deacon of the Fayetteville Advent Christian Church. He served the Democratic Party of Cumberland County in various capacities including Chairman. He was on the formation committee that started the first high school band in Cumberland County at Seventy-First High School.
For his extraordinary service to the State of North Carolina, he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Gov. Hunt.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at 2 pm at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home in Fayetteville, NC with a funeral service following at 3 pm. A private entombment at Lafayette Memorial Park Mausoleum will follow at a later date.
The family would like to thank and acknowledge the staff at Fox Hollow Senior Living Community and First Health Hospice in Pinehurst that served J.P. in the final period of the earthly journey of his life.
Flowers are appreciated but in lieu of flowers consider a donation to the Fayetteville Advent Christian Church or 71st High School Marching Band Fund.