Roger Beasley

Loyal, funny, and dedicated, Roger Beasley lived a life rich in family and friends. Roger possessed a terrific sense of humor and a kind heart. He was GENUINE and persevering, even in the face of life’s most daunting challenges. Roger loved his cars, his dog, Guppy, and hanging out with those he cherished. Though our days with him were far too few, every moment we shared with Roger is a gift we will long treasure. A loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend, Roger will long be remembered and so very missed.

In 1967, while the Vietnam conflict continued and racial tensions at home grew, the Rolling Stones sang Under My Thumb, the Beatles longed for Yesterday, and the Supremes reminded us that You Can’t Hurry Love. It was a year that found us donning shiny vinyl-infused clothes and when miniskirts were the rage. Adam West’s Batman fought for justice, Star Trek explored new frontiers, and the race to put a man on the moon continued. As the nation set its eyes on a more hopeful future, nowhere was there more to celebrate than in the home of Wayne and Rita Beasley as they welcomed their son Roger to their family on May 2 in Garden City, Michigan.

Roger’s childhood memories revolved around the neighborhood kids he grew up with on Arlington in Canton. Typical days included riding bikes, building cities in the sandbox, playing flashlight tag, and kick-the-can with the Kraft, Ealovega, and Gampp kids. An idyllic time; it was a childhood when neighbors’ parents became another set of parents for Roger and his sister Angela, and the friendships he made lasted his entire lifetime.

A love for cars and restoration started at a young age. Roger would take apart his bicycle and hang the bike frame from a rope in the garage to sand down any imperfections before repainting it. During his senior year at Salem High School in 1985, Roger had a two-hour auto mechanics class followed by a two-hour auto body class, after which he went home before reporting to his co-op job. A car guy through and through, his fellow students knew him by his gold Chevy Nova.

It is no surprise that Roger made a career as a mechanic, working for various companies over the years. His work took him to many places to test cars in various climates. While in the Middle East on one of his work trips, Roger enjoyed riding a camel. Closer to home, Roger’s greatest accomplishment was finishing the restoration of his 1969 Camaro. A passionate perfectionist, Roger won many awards for his work on his cars. One of his proudest moments was when his Camaro won an award at AutoRama.

Upon returning home from a work trip to Arizona, when Roger was picked up at the airport, he was told that there was someone he had to meet. He was then driven straight to the hospital to meet his brand-new niece, Brittany. Roger was delighted to become an uncle, and his heart grew even more when his nephew Alan was born.

A man of many interests, Roger liked watching any show related to Bigfoot, paranormal events, and hauntings. He was a NASCAR fan who cheered on his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon and remained loyal to Hendrick Motorsports even after Jeff retired from racing. Roger was known to start debates on Facebook and enjoyed rooting for local sports teams. Though he wished the Detroit Lions had made it to the Super Bowl, he was happy to have witnessed their most successful season in history.

Roger dealt with a lot of adversity in his 56 years, often wondering if he was destined to shoulder so many burdens so those he loved would not have to. With signature resolve, Roger met each day with an indomitable spirit and the resolve to live life to the fullest. One of the hardest but most consequential days of his life was when he received a kidney transplant that granted him freedom from dialysis.

As we celebrate Roger’s life, may we find comfort in our many memories and the honor of carrying his legacy forward. Whether courageously navigating the latest challenge, cheering on his loved ones or local teams, working on a car, hanging out with friends, or his canine companion, Guppy, Roger lived life to the fullest. In each moment we generously give our loyalty to others, confidently face difficulties, steadfastly support those we love, and dedicate ourselves to our passions, we keep Roger’s memory and spirit alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Roger Wayne Beasley of Westland, MI, passed away on February 24, 2024, at the age of 56. He was preceded in death by his mom, Rita Beasley, his dad, Wayne Beasley, and his grandparents, Erhard and Rosa Krenz, Frank and Margaret Beasley. Loving brother of Angela (Gary) Brown, dearest uncle to Brittany and Alan. Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 2pm until the time of memorial service at 3pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 45100 Warren Rd., Canton, MI 48187.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Diabetes Association or The American Kidney Foundation.