Duane H. Beacham

Duane H. Beacham born Jan 22, 1957, went to our precious Lord Thanksgiving day November 23, 2023 (age 66) of natural causes. Duane passed away praying beside his bed. Fellow First responders, and brothers and sisters in Christ. Duane was a devout Christian witnessing, and serving Our Lord. His Christian journey was endless, that had a beautiful ending. Duane grew up in Annapolis, MD moving to Langhorne, PA in High School. Duane graduated from the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA with a BS in Business Logistics and Marketing. He was a very active Volunteer Fireman for Lower South Hampton Vol. Fire Department for 9 years. He spent most of his career as Executive Vice President of National Accounts for 3 of the Nations top 5 Trucking Companies. Upon retirement he went back to school and earned his Advanced EMT certification as the oldest student to graduate. Upon graduation he went straight to work on a 911 ALS Ambulance for Angel EMS Catoosa County, GA and then Hamilton County TN 911 ALS ambulance. Most recently he was employed with AmeriMed ambulance service. Duane was severly burned 64% of his body 3rd degree burns 3 years ago. He was forever grateful for Hamilton County, TN EMS Assistant Chief Bricker, AEMT Tim Hixson, and Erlanger ER Dr. David Wharton for setting him up and racing him to WellStar Burn center in Austel GA., bypassing all normal protocols and direct admission into the operating room. The Burn surgeon clearly stated that these gentlemen saved his life! Duane never met a stranger, those that knew him looked foward to seeing him. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a constant Volunteer in repairing homes for the elderly; electrical, plumbing, roofs, rebuilding Tornado homes, volunteering for the cleanup crew from natural disasters. He even shared his home with a US Veteran who lost everything in a tornado! Duane enjoyed spending time with his beloved cat "Smokey", loved cooking, using his smoker, water skiing, snow skiing instructor, Boy Scout Volunteer, building homes, teaching Sunday School, gardening, volunteering with the church, and encouraging anyone he met that was suffering. Duane loved his family and was always excited by their journeys. Duane is sitting at the picnic table in heaven with his father Dr. Harry Beacham, mother Kathryn Beacham, Brother-in-law US Navy Commander Lawrence Simmelink, and niece Laura Jan Simmelink who have predeceased him. He is survived by his Son Kevin Beacham of Fernandina Beach, FL, Daughter Kristin (Beacham) Watson and husband Thomas Reed Watson and their children Thomas Maddux and Lauren Elizabeth of Chattanooga, TN. His older brother and wife Timothy H. Beacham and Linda Alexander Beacham of Clearwater FL., and their sons; Alex Beacham and wife Suzie Beacham and their children Brooks Alexander, and Blake Ellis of Saint Petersburg, FL., Son Bill Beacham of Tampa, FL., and Son Chad Beacham and wife Danielle Beacham, daughter Berkley Rose of Tampa, FL. His Older Sister; Janis (Beacham) Simmelink of Fredericksburg, VA., and her Son Dr. Drew and wife Dr. Jessica Simmelink of Richmond Va. His Identical Twin Brother Keith H. Beacham of Chattanooga, TN., Daughter Courtney (Beacham) Wright and husband Christopher Wright, children Olivia, Lexi, and Collin of Charlotte, NC. and Daughter Ashley (Beacham) Cooper and husband John Anderson "J.A." Cooper of Clover, SC. A memorial service will be scheduled next year. Notices will be sent out in advance. Many people will ask, "is Heaven worth it?". Duane would say an unequivocal "yes!". Revelations 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears in heaven. Thomas Moore "Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal" It's not goodbye, but see you later! We Love You Duane.

Duane H. Beacham

January 22, 1957 - November 23, 2023