Obituary of Gerald Douglas Beachum

LUGOFF – A graveside service for Gerald Douglas Beachum, 73, will be held at 12:30 p.m. on February 13, 2021 at Antioch Baptist Church near Hornbeak, Tennessee. Masks are required. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital donor services at 1-800-805-5856.

    Gerald was born on February 5, 1947 in Union City, TN to the late Iva and Ahmed Beachum and was the younger of 2 children. Gerald graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and was retired at his time of death. Gerald said he had a great life, which he enjoyed. He loved traveling, great food, good lifelong friends and especially his family. Gerald was an active member of the Model A Ford Restorer Club, Antique Automobile Club of America, Classic Thunderbird Club International, and International Ford Retractable Club, in which he served as president for the east coast chapter.  He had a passion for and loved restoring cars from his youth.        

    Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Iva and Ahmed; sister, Melba; wife of 53 years, Judy; daughter, Laura Kay; daughter-in-law, Sonja; and son-in-law, Bruce. He is survived by his sons, Douglas and Mark; his beloved grandson, Jackson; and many nephews and nieces.