Ralph H. Beaty

We are sad to announce that Ralph Beaty, 86 years old of Panama City, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2018 at Covenant Hospice Center Bay Medical Sacred Heart.  He was predeceased by his parents, Issac and Willie Beaty, and his brothers Victor Beaty and Kenneth Beaty.  He is survived by his sister, Margaret Tanner (Bud) and brother Jerry Beaty (Joyce).  Ralph is also survived by his five children, Janet Wachter (Charles), Stephen Beaty, Robert Beaty (Regina), Susan Steadman (Steve), and Michelle Massey as well as 10 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Ralph, a proud native of Mississippi, served in the Army, Army Air Corps, and then the U.S.A.F.  for 22 years.  At 18 years old, he served in the Occupation Army of the Pacific under General MacArthur.  Ralph is a veteran of both the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. 

Ralph loved his life, loved his family, and loved people.  To our delight, he embraced each new adventure as an alert observer, avid storyteller, and a lover of humor and tall tales.  He embraced the national debate on every topic, following each one with great interest, while encouraging others to do the same.  He loved science and credits modern medicine as well as talented physicians with extending his life for at least a decade.  Ralph was a loyal son, brother, father and friend, as well as being a master carpenter, gifted domino player, talented gardener, fisherman, hunter, and home cook.  

We will miss his enthusiasm and unique vision which contributed so richly to our lives.

Funeral services will be held at Kent Forest Lawn Chapel on Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at 12:00 Noon. The family will receive friends and visitors one hour prior to the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

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