Wilbert Merril Beasley Jr.

Wilbert “Butch” Beasley, Jr., 56, of Petersburg, VA, passed away on January 13, 2018 at Johnston-Willis Medical Center surrounded by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert M. Beasley, Sr. and Jane A. Beasley; parents-in-law, Junior and Margo Tate; niece, Stephanie Tate; numerous aunts, uncles and other family members. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Tate-Beasley; daughters, Jourdan Tyler and Cara Marliese Beasley; son, E-3 Recruit Ryan Michael Beasley, USCG; future son-in-law, Spencer; sister, Tamera Milton and husband, Burt, their children, Brandy, Brittany and Bethany and their families; brother, William “Chuck” Beasley, his children, Alison and Carin and their families; sister, Mary Beasley, her children, Christopher and Kristina Luck; special “brother,” Michael “Chuckie” Hickam; loyal companion, “Tank,” as well as numerous other family members.
“Butch” was a life member of Southside Virginia Emergency Crew in Petersburg, where he served for over 35 years, and held all offices and headed the competition team while serving active duty until 2003. After 2003, “Butch” served as the Board of Governors Representative for SVEC in District 3 of the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads where he was also a life member.
He worked at Builders Supply Company of Petersburg for 27 years, and stayed on board until they closed their doors. At BSOP, he was store manager and an outside salesman.
“Butch” has suffered from Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy since he was 30 years old. He has struggled since and has become an advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and for all those who are handicapped. Donations will be accepted in his name for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Annual Muscle Walk. Please contact Ashley Mauck at the MDA at (804)285-2961 for further information or to make a donation.
He will be missed by many, for he has made an imprint in the lives of many.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2018 at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel followed by interment at Blandford Cemetery. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .