SHERMAN - Leonard Ray "Buddy" Beasley, 58, died Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. He was born August 4, 1960, in Tupelo, MS, to Geanette and Joe Beasley. He worked as a tire inspector for Cooper Tire and was a member of Sherman Baptist Church. Buddy grew up like a typical boy, always into something a little mischievous, and full of life. He loved anything involving outdoors. His love for the outdoors opened so many opportunities for him. His favorite things to do were fishing, riding motorcycles, and, of course, working on motors. He was blessed with the knowledge and ability to do any and everything that he put his mind to, always willing to help anybody with whatever they needed.

He was blessed with a son, Benjamin Ray Beasley, teaching him everything he knew in life and more. He married the love of his life, the former Rita Carol Austin, on May 24, 1996, and God blessed them with many years together. His sense of humor would make anyone laugh all the time. Buddy accepted the Lord as his Savior at an early age in life, having a gentle, caring, loving spirit, and was always there to listen and guide. He exemplified John 10:10, "I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]."

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 6, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Fulton with Bro. Jeremy Lynn Abbott officiating.  Burial will be in the Sherman Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife, Rita Beasley; his son, Ben Beasley; his father, Joe Beasley; and his sister, Mary Jo Abbott, all of Sherman; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Geanette Beasley; one brother, Kevin Beasley; one sister, Sandy Smith; and one nephew, Chris Fleming.

Pallbearers will be John Ray McCord, Curt Umfress, Marty Mills, Justin Grant, Jeff Fellows, and Jordan Ross. Honorary pallbearers will be Tanner McCord, Gage Beasley, Johnathan Grant, and Patrick Fellows.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Fulton.