Ted Beasley's Obituary
Ted Beasley, 83, passed away Saturday, July 1, 2023.
Ted was born on January 27, 1940, to Vollie and Fannie Sue Beasley near Henning, Tennessee. Ted often recounted this day as the coldest on record, a deep snow surrounding their firelit cabin as midwife Eulah Lake delivered him, the youngest of six children, at 1:00 AM Saturday morning.
Ted graduated from Ripley High School as Valedictorian of his class in 1958. He joined the Memphis Police Force aged 23, graduated from the FBI National Academy, and retired from his position as Deputy Director of Police after 29 years of service in 1992. Ted was married to the love of his life, Doris Beasley, and the two were blessed with three children and five grandchildren in their 56 years of marriage.
Ted and Doris Beasley were dedicated members of Bellevue Baptist Church, and they were great learners and leaders of their faith. In their free time, Ted and Doris danced at the Memphis Bop Club, with many Friday nights spent performing the waltz, the cha-cha, and the bop.
Ted wore many hats in his lifetime: father, grandfather, farmer, deckhand, Chief, dance partner, teacher, leader, and good Christian man. Ted “Pop” Beasley is remembered for his energy, his kindness, his love for life, his patient and steady hand, his goodness, and his commitment to both his family and his faith. Most importantly, Ted left his children and grandchildren with a lasting image of true and devoted love through his marriage to Doris. We know the gates of Heaven opened to the tune of the waltz as the pair were finally reunited through Christ.
Ted is survived by his three children, Mitchell, Kris, and Brian (Carrie), and his grandchildren, Coleman (26), Dylan (25), Olivia (24), Lily (21), and Rebekah (20).
He is preceded in death by father Vollie Beasley, mother Fannie Sue Beasley, and siblings Deloris, Francis, Tommy, Billie, and Shirlie.
Visitation will be held Tuesday July 11, 2023 at 10:00am with funeral services beginning at 11:00 at Memorial Park Funeral Home 5668 Poplar Ave. Interment will take place at Asbury Cemetery in Ripley Tennessee.
What’s your fondest memory of Ted?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ted?
Share a story where Ted's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ted you’ll never forget.
How did Ted make you smile?