John Durham Beam Jr. of Rock Hill, S.C., and formerly of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the age of 73. John touched the lives of many with his dedication, kindness, and unwavering spirit.
Born on March 22, 1950, in Mooresville to the late John D. and Margaret Fink Beam, John dedicated himself to pursuing knowledge and excelling in his education. He graduated from Mooresville High School in 1968 before furthering his studies at N.C. State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Textile Technology. Recognizing his passion for numbers, John pursued a second bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration from UNC-Charlotte, which he obtained in 1977. Not one to rest on his laurels, John continued his educational journey and earned a master’s degree in business administration from Winthrop University in 1991.
John’s professional career was marked by his remarkable skills and dedication. He began his journey as a manager trainee with Burlington Yarn Company, making his mark in the industry and swiftly advancing in his career. John’s expertise in accounting led him to assume the role of Accounting Supervisor at PCA International in Matthews, N.C.
In 1997, John joined Omnova Solutions in Chester, S.C., where he truly made his mark. For an impressive 24 years, John served as the Manager of Accounting, utilizing his exceptional skills to contribute to the growth and success of the company. His unwavering commitment and attention to detail earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers.
Beyond his professional achievements, John’s passion for sports and community engagement was evident throughout his life. For an incredible 31 years, John actively officiated high school football games in North Carolina, positively impacting the lives of countless student-athletes. His dedication to physical fitness extended to his achievement of a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.
John had a love for the exploration of the airwaves and held a deep interest in amateur radio operations since 1979. John was also an avid cyclist, traveling to many places, and he enjoyed competing in archery competitions.
As a member of the St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Rock Hill, S.C., John found solace, community, and spiritual fulfillment.
John will forever be remembered as a loving husband, a dedicated professional, and a pillar of the community. He touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. John’s memory will live on in the hearts of his beloved family, his dear friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Elizete Domit Abdalla Beam.
He is survived by many friends who cared for him deeply.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in John’s memory to a charity of your choice. John was an advocate for animals, and he donated to various animal charities and organizations.
He will be laid to rest with his beloved Monroe, Chloe, and Spice.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Beam family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.