The game of golf lost a dear friend on Thursday, May 21 with the passing of Randy Beaver, GM/PGA Professional/Superintendent at Rolling Hills Country Club in Cabot for the past 23 years. Randy's battle with pancreatic cancer ended at the age of 53. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Debbie and his daughter, Mickey and son, Mitch and a handful of grandchildren.
I am a better man for knowing Randy Beaver - and anyone that spent more than 30 minutes around him would say the same thing. Randy had a passion for life and a deep desire and hunger to play golf at the highest ability. He was never afraid of any shot and felt he could birdie every hole, no matter how long or how many obstacles came into play.
At six-foot, five inches tall and over 300 pounds, he was a giant of a man - but not just in size. He was a giant of a man in character and integrity and was one of the finest Christian men I ever knew. At least 500 people turned out for the visitation and funeral at Lonoke Baptist Church, where Randy faithfully served as a Deacon.
Randy's suffering is over - and he is playing the heavenly fairways now. He will be missed by many - men like Randy are few and far between on this earth. Randy will live on in our hearts and our memories of him will never fade.
(Be sure and read the Arkansas Democrat Gazette on Thursday, May 28 as Golf Writer Jeff Slatton is writing about the life of Randy Beaver!)
What Jay stated was true! Randy Beaver made his mark on this earth! Randy Beaver taught me the game of golf but he also taught me many life lessons. No words can describe what a wonderful christian role model Randy was to me and numerous other kids in the state. I also knew Randy as a co-worker and a friend. Randy the golf pro, Randy the boss, Randy the friend, and Randy the father figure were all the same. He had a mission in life to live his life with upstanding moral values. It was an honor and a pleasure to have Randy in my life for 21 years. Randy Beaver left his mark on my life and the lives of thousands. He will be missed.
ReplyDeleteKelly Ayres Spencer
I agree that Randy was a true gentleman and ambassador for the game of golf. He was one of the finest persons that I have known and was an excellent role model for all of the junior golfers that he helped coach and raise throughout the years. He will be sorely missed.
ReplyDeleteBev T. Hargraves