Obituary of Joseph Hodgin Beasley

Joseph H. Beasley, a retired Army Colonel who taught at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York during the decade 1970-1980, died on February 11, 2023 at Croasdaile Retirement Village, Durham, North Carolina.  After military retirement he was head of the High School at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, N.C. from 1980-1992.  After retiring from Ravenscroft School he taught Advanced Placement European History part time at East Chapel Hill High School from 1992-2002.

Joe grew up in Randleman, N.C. and received academic degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University.  He served as a Chaplain in the Army during the Korean War and in Vietnam.  He was assigned by the military as a student at the University of Chicago prior to his teaching at West Point.  Later, after retiring from the Army, he received his PhD from UNC Chapel Hill.

Joe was an avid golfer and dedicated baseball fan.  His favorite team was the N.Y. Yankees, as was the case with many other members of the Academy. George Steinbrenner usually brought the team to play Army on the day before the season beganduring the 1970s.  Joe remained a Yankees fan his entire life.

There are many people whose lives were enriched by his guidance and friendship.  A complete listing of the many accolades and achievements that he received throughout his long and distinguished career in both the military and academiawould be long. However, he expressed a desire to have an obituary that was short and to the point.

While a student at UNC Chapel Hill he met Ann Hatch Burnette of Mount Olive, North Carolina.  They were married in 1951.  He is survived by Ann, their son Byron H. Beasley, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joe was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed.

Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is assisting the Beasley family.