Mr. Norris Ray Beasley, 84, loving husband of Sue C. Beasley and lifelong resident of Onancock, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. Born Oct. 19, 1940, he was the only child of the late Horace “Ray” Beasley and Eugenia Custis Beasley.
Norris graduated from Onancock High School, class of 1958. Soon after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his country. Upon his return home to the Eastern Shore, he married the love of his life, Sue, with whom he shared a beautiful life for nearly 63 years.
Norris dedicated his career to NASA Wallops, working with numerous subcontractors as a radar technician and later in management, contributing to the advancement of technology and exploration for more than five decades.
In 1976, he became a founding member and treasurer of the Rock Church of the Eastern Shore. Norris’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, and his commitment to helping others extended beyond his church to his community.
He was a longtime member of the Onancock Volunteer Fire Department, having served two years as president and seven years as chief during his many years with the department. Norris will be greatly missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those he loved and the many lives he touched within his church and throughout the community.
In addition to his wife, Norris is survived by his children, Joan Adrion, and her husband, Jim, of Salisbury, Md., Mary Vandall, of Melfa, Mary Elizabeth Custis and her husband, E.R., and Benjamin “Ben” Beasley, all of Onancock; grandchildren, Chris Beasley (Sam), Roy McCarthy (Jirina), Ray Beasley, Olyvia Barnes, Jenn Hollis (Matt), Rachel Beasley, and Anna Watkins; sisters-in-law, Nadya Cavaleri and Cathy Crosley; special nephew, Kenny Cavaleri (Lelia); and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Other than his parents, he was predeceased by his nephew, Robert Markham “Mark” Cavaleri.
Funeral services will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home on Friday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m., with Pastor Paul Nolz officiating. Private interment will be held at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery.
Contributions in Norris’ memory may be made to Rock Church of the Eastern Shore, 27112 Lankford Highway, Onley, VA 23418 or Onancock Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 28, Onancock, VA 23417.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.