Richard Dean Beeler

Richard Dean Beeler of Harrogate, Tennessee, passed peacefully Saturday, January 18, 2025 surrounded by his loving family after an 8 year battle with cancer.

Born in Morristown, Tennessee, December 22, 1951, to the late George Forrester and Christine Beeler. Richard received his Bachelor’s degree in Education at Union College. He became a Mason following his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. He taught in the Claiborne County School System until his retirement and then taught at J. Frank White where he was awarded Best Faculty Member of the year in 2015. During the summer months, Richard was a Cumberland Gap Historical Park Ranger and later joined the ranks as a historical interpreter at Wilderness Road State Park where he was officially recognized as an outstanding interpreter and received many awards and public accolades. His passion for history and his firm belief of its important role in guiding future generations led him to be a renowned and greatly loved and respected teacher, park ranger, and historical interpreter. He had many talents including woodworking, drawing and carving. He was an exceptional and engaging speaker and an excellent cook with a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed and forever revered by those who truly knew him.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Lynette (Moore) Beeler of 41 years; his son, Jonathan and wife, Alice; his son, Nathan Beeler and wife, Elizabeth; special grandson, Theodore Clyde; his brother, Larry and his wife, Sharron; his sister, Becky (Beeler) Gordon and her husband, Gary; brother-in-law, Blaine Moore; sister-in-law, Colleen (Moore) Lester and her husband, Mike; brother-in-law, Matthew Moore and his wife, Lorelei; brother-in-law, Brett Moore and his wife, Susan; special uncle and aunt, Bill and Margaret Beeler; and a host of many special nephews, nieces, and special friends.

A small, private memorial will be held in Richard’s honor in the Spring. The family asks that donations be made in memory of Richard Beeler to the Friends of the Wilderness Road Park: Wilderness Road State Park, 8051 Wilderness Road Trail, Ewing, VA 24248.

Cremation services were cared for at the Arnett & Steele Cremation Center. The Arnett & Steele Valley Chapel in Harrogate is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Richard Beeler.