David Lee Beasley's Obituary
David was born on May 11, 1946. He was a native Floridian and lived his whole life in the Tampa Bay area. He graduated from Hillsborough High School and in 1966, went on to meet his wife on a basketball court in DeSoto Park, where she proved him wrong…he didn’t think she could make a basket, but she did, indeed, make a basket!
David and Betty were married December 1, 1967. They welcomed their daughter, Karen, in 1970, and their daughter, Sherri, in 1973. They raised their family in their home of 50-plus years on 99th Avenue. Two of David’s proudest moments over the years were watching each of his daughters graduate from his Alma Mater. Throughout his life, David was a brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was dedicated and loving.
The family was active in the church. David could be found supporting church activities and youth group outings. He often encouraged the neighborhood kids to attend and provided transportation to and from.
His interests were varied. He was known to have a green thumb. He loved plants and flowers and tending to his yard. His family (and probably his neighbors) regularly woke up on Saturday mornings, before the break of dawn, to the sound of the mower. When we complained, he declared, “half the day is over!”
He was also passionate about sports. More than one trip was made to see March madness basketball games in person, and, as the ultimate armchair quarterback, much time was spent yelling at the TV over fumbled football plays. Personally, he could put quite the spin on the ball during his bowling league days, as he chased the thrills of strikes and spares. He also had the unique ability to bowl ambidextrously.
David worked hard to support his family, but he also prioritized time with his family. Among the memories throughout the years were many a trip to Disney’s Camp Wilderness to bring in the New Year, to Gatlinburg to experience the fall colors of the Smokies, and to the Hillsborough State Park to enjoy swimming and bike riding and just being outdoors. When the opportunity presented itself, he’d take the neighborhood kids along to fish at Fort DeSoto Park and crabbing off the pier.
David knew the Word, he was true to his word, and he always tried hard to help others. He moved on to receive his eternal reward on Friday, November 14, 2025. His lively laugh and warm heart will be missed by those he loved and whose lives he touched. Pallbearers are Nathan Matthews, Joseph Lashley, Austin Matthews, Anthony Wittemen, Dennis Beaudoin, and Richard MacDonald. David is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Betty Beasley, two daughters, Karen Matthews (Nathan), and Sherri Lashley (Joe), two grandchildren, Austin Matthews and Katelyn Wittemen (Anthony), and great-granddaughter, Ella Wittemen, as well as sisters, Cindy and Vicky, and brother, Dennis.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in David’s name to Tampa Community Church at https://www.tampacommunity.church.
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