Ted Beam

Ted Sorrels Beam, age 78 of Eaker Rd. passed away Friday, April 24, 2020 at his residence.  He was born September 13, 1941 in Lincoln County to the late J. Ray and Mae Sorrels Beam.

Ted was a North Brook Icon where he grew up spending time at Flay Store which his parents owned and was known back in the day as “Romeo.”  He graduated from North Brook High School in 1959 and still enjoyed getting together with his classmates for their monthly meetings at Mitchems Kitchen.  After graduation he went to Western Carolina, where he played the trumpet and then went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army. Ted was a member of American Legion Post #243.  He was a member of Bess Chapel United Methodist Church, Vietnam Veterans of Lincoln County, and a member of the Hoyle Reunion.  He enjoyed a career in farming and then he and his wife, Sue owned T&T Beauty and Barber Supply where he loved to deliver supplies and interact with their customers.  Anywhere he went, he always ran into someone he knew.  Ted loved the Dallas Cowboys, Nascar racing, and knew all the original members of  the band "Alabama" before they became famous when they played at The Bowery at Myrtle Beach. He loved visiting with his neighbors and friends and enjoyed riding his golfcart to the Saturday Night Gatherings at the Woodward Family Home.  He looked forward to his daily afternoon visits from John Wes Lail, enjoyed going to the lake, the beach and anywhere else with his wife and traveling companions, Linda and the late Mike Eaker.  He ran Beam’s Speedway Go Kart Track in Cherryville, liked to drive go carts, and raced dirt track cars (back in the day).  He was known to piddle on things, was always quick witted, and enjoyed playing with his dog, Buddy.  He loved watching his daughters and then grandchildren play ball.  Time spent with his family, friends, and especially the grandchildren was his greatest pastime! He was so proud of his grandchildren and they loved him dearly. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Rev. Keith Beam; and niece, Noel Beam Howard.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Sue Helms Beam; daughters, Tammy Beam Knowles and husband, David and Teddi Beam Stepp and husband, Jeff; grandchildren, Allison Knowles McInnis (Sam) and Lukas Knowles; nephew, Mark Beam (Johnnie); and niece, Lucy Beam Hoffman (Jeff).

A Drive-In Funeral will be held Monday, April 27, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Carpenter-Porter Funeral & Cremation Services with Rev. Leonard Bumgardner officiating and music by Josh Hudson.  Mr. Beam will lie in state on Monday from 9:00 to 12:00 PM.  Friends are invited to stop by the funeral home and then if staying for the service, we ask that you remain in your vehicles.  A private graveside service will be held at Bess Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VA Medical Center – Asheville, www.asheville.va.gov/giving or to the Bessemer City American Legion Post #243.