Russell Othello Beesley

I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." - C. S. Lewis

Russell Othello Beesley, 83, of Anderson, South Carolina, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 9, 2016, with his loving wife, Kathryn by his side. They shared 63 years together and had six children. He was born in Mulberry Grove, Illinois on May 17, 1932 to Forrest Leland Beesley and Velma Marie Merriman Beesley. He left home at an early age and joined the U.S. Navy and served on board the U.S.S. Battleship Missouri in the Korean War. During his service he met his wife, Kathryn and they were married on Dec 13, 1952. They eventually followed his favorite uncle to Oregon where he began his four decade long career in the timber manufacturing industry. He rededicated his life to the Lord on April 1, 1969 and soon became an ordained minister and was pastor of a small church in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. In 1974 he moved his family to LaGrange, Georgia and after 18 years with Georgia Pacific Corp he retired in 1992. Following his wife's retirement they moved to Anderson, South Carolina, where they have lived for more than 20 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents. He will be genuinely missed by his daughter, Lana and her husband, Eddie Boyer; his son, Forrest and his companion, Sandra Young; his daughter, Terrie and her husband, Bobby Albright; his daughter, Joni and her husband, Milo Anderson; his daughter, Shelley and her companion, Tim Rogers and son, Russell and his wife, Bridget. He also leaves 12 grandchildren, Joshua Arthur and his wife, Megan, Joseph Beesley and his wife, Amanda, Jolanta Kelly and her companion, Travis Smith, Stuart Beesley, Ashley Byrn, Melissa Smallwood and her husband, Jeremy, Shannon Beesley, Zachariah Beesley, Jaimie Massey, Michael Isitt and his wife, Alisha, Danielle Anderson-Lee and her husband, Richard, Andrea Anderson and seventeen great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Doyle and wife, Joanne, his sister, Doyne Vigor and brother Roger Dale and many nieces and nephews

Services to remember and honor Russell’s life will be at 2:00 P.M. Monday, March 14, 2016 at the New Prospect Baptist Church in Anderson, South Carolina, with Reverend Tony Smith, pastor of the church, officiating. In honor of Russell’s service to his country, military honors will be provided during the service. Arrangements for Russell have been entrusted to the Cremation Society of South Carolina - Westville Funerals, 6010 White Horse Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29611. Condolences and Expressions of sympathy may be expressed for the family at www.cremationsocietyofsc.com .