John “J.B.” Bennett Beam, 88 of 111 Harrilson Road, formerly of Gastonia, died April 1, 2011 at his residence. He was born March 31, 1923 in Gaston County son of the late Claude Burlin and Cordia Maybell Setzer Beam. Mr. Beam was a former choir director of Lowell Baptist Church and Alexis Baptist Church where he was a member, Deacon, Organist and Sunday School Teacher. J.B. was a U.S. Army WWII Veteran, Graduate of Western Carolina University, held a Masters Degree from George Peabody University, and a former Semi Pro Baseball Player. He was a former Principal of Dallas High School, Counselor at Hunter Huss High School, Dean of Students at Belmont Abby College, Retired Director of Development and Dean of Student Affairs at Gardner Webb University. A special thanks to his caregiver’s, Carolyn Jenks and Theda Beck and the staff at Carolina Care Center.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers Burlin Beam and Glenn Beam three sisters, Ruth Ray, Velma Norman and Margie Ray.
Survivors include his wife Sara Nell Dill Beam of the residence, his daughter Kathy Beam and Rebecca Cass, of Gastonia, a brother, Bobby Beam, of Lincolnton, Kenneth Beam, of Lincolnton, a number of nieces, nephews, cousins friends and neighbors.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 3:00 PM in Cone Memorial Chapel of Carpenter’s Funeral Home, Cherryville, with Rev. Bob Bodenheimer officiating. Burial will follow in Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia. The family will receive friends from1:30 – 2:45 prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation, 3800 Shamrock Drive # 999, Charlotte, NC 28215-3220 or Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.
