Obituaries

John Mark Beam, Jr., age 83, of Reepsville Road in Lincolnton, died on Monday, February 5, 2018, after a period of declining health.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at Daniels Lutheran Church with Pastor David Fox officiating.  The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service.  A private graveside service will be held at Cedar Grove Lutheran Church, in Vale, at a later date. 

Mr. Beam was born June 21, 1934, in Lincoln County, to the late John Mark Beam, Sr. and Camilla Dellinger Beam.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his twin brother, George, and sister, Barbara. 

He was a graduate of North Brook High School, where he was a member of the boys basketball team.  Mr. Beam graduated from NC State University with a B.S. degree in construction.  While at NCSU, he was President of the Lutheran Students Association.  He served in the Army National Guard.  Mr. Beam was a building contractor until his retirement, first working alongside his father at Beam Lumber Co. and later starting his own business.  Over the decades, Mr. Beam built many homes and commercial buildings, including the current church sanctuary of Cedar Grove Lutheran Church.  In addition, he was a cattleman, raising Polled Herefords, for many years. Mr. Beam also served on the Lincoln County Board of Education (1978-1986).  He was an avid gardener and proud supporter of Wolfpack athletics. 

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Mace Beam of the home; three sons, Rev. John Mark Beam, III, and wife Constance, of Liberty, NC, Greg Beam, and wife Caroline, of Rutherfordton, and Eric Beam of Gastonia; a daughter, Susan Beam of Lincolnton; two grandchildren, Stuart Beam, and wife Natalie, of Rutherfordton and Will Beam, and wife Hannah, of Raleigh; brother, Carl Beam, and wife Glennie, of Vale; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Mr. Beam was a member of Daniels Lutheran Church, Lincolnton, where he taught Sunday school and served for a time on the church council. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Daniels Lutheran Church, 3170 Reepsville Road, Lincolnton, NC 28092, or to Cedar Grove Lutheran Church, 261 Cedar Grove Church Road, Vale, NC 28168.