Thurman Charles Beasley's Obituary
Thurman Charles Beasley, beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, GG pa, brother and friend departed this earth on January 7, 2019, before we were ready to lose him. Thurman died the way he lived; saved, humble and accomplished at the things that were of the utmost importance to him. He was an example to every young man in his family and a template for the future husbands of his daughters: Yvette (Anthony) Merritt, who preceded him in death, Letrice (Mel) Johnson and Melody (Fred) Shephard. Thurman Charles Beasley was born on September 30, 1940 in Rosston, Arkansas, the third of four children to Otis and Gladys (Moss) Beasley, who preceded him in death. Thurman came to California at age 5. Thurman’s older sister Roxie and older brother Herman, came to California with their mother’s sister, Aunt Pearlie Mae and Thurman came later by train with his mother. Donna, his younger sister, was born in California. Thurman received his formal education at Berkeley High School where he sang in the Acapella Choir and was Assistant Coach of the swim team, he graduated in 1957. He also attended San Francisco School of Technology where he took computer classes and graduated from Chabot College with an AA in Management. Thurman accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Berkeley Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he sang in the choir along with his brother Herman. Thurman along with his cousin and several other members of the church started singing as a quartet throughout the Bay Area. They were so talented that they were offered a recording contract with Decca Records. Thurman did not want fame and instead enlisted in the Air Force. After being honorably discharged from the Military after 4 years, he met the love of his life Beverly Reese and put a ring on it. He became a loving father to her daughter, Mary (Yvette) and Thurman and Beverly added two children to their growing family, Letrice and Melody (Yoyo). Thurman and his family purchased a home in Union City, California and found their forever church home at Palma Ceia Baptist Church. Thurman was later elected President of the Male Chorus. Thurman was a wonderful provider for his family and hard worker. He worked for Ryerson Steel in Emeryville for 40 years before retiring and from then on spent his days going to church, spending time with his family, fishing, Bar-B-Qing for family and church and working on his wood working hobbies until his health no longer allowed it. Thurman leaves to cherish his memory his grand children, great-grandchildren, his wife and daughters, his siblings, his god children (Nichole and Amber) and his closest friends (Theartic and Darritt) as well as a host of friends and relatives. He will be forever missed.
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