James Varnell Mckinley Beaty

James Varnell McKinley Beaty, 94 a lifelong resident of Cleveland, TN passed away Monday, May 30th at his home. He will always be remembered as an honest, hard-working man. He truly believed in the dignity of work. Throughout his lifetime, he was always willing to help anyone in need, whether it be friends, neighbors, or strangers who quickly became friends. He was also a man who believed in helping and giving back to his community. Most of all, he was proud of his relationship with Jesus Christ, his Lord. Varnell never missed an opportunity to share the gospel.
He was a member of Candies Creek Baptist Church and served as a faithful member and deacon for many years. In his later years, he enjoyed fellowship at Elkmont Baptist Church with many good friends. A few days before his passing, a dear minister asked him, “When the good Lord calls, are you ready to go?” Varnell’s reply was, “I’m ready to ride!”
Varnell was always up for a challenge. No matter how difficult the task, he always worked to improve and make things better. In 1968, he was named suggester of the year by the Bendix Corporation Cleveland Division. The implementation of his creative ideas at Bendix, brought on major gains in increased production for the company.
When Varnell saw a need, he was passionate about working with those around him to meet the need. He believed every community of Bradley County needed adequate fire protection services. In the late 1980’s, Varnell began working with many others to form the Bradley County Volunteer Fire Department. Varnell saw this through to a reality and served with the department until stepping back with health issues in 1996. The volunteer fire department became what is known today as the Bradley County Fire & Rescue Service. In 2014, the Bradley County Fire & Rescue Service officially recognized Varnell for his vision and avid support by dedicating Tanker 6 of the Eureka Station in his honor.
Varnell’s true passion has always been farming. Some of his happiest days were spent in his John Deere Tractor bailing hay. He was a lifelong farmer, beginning at a very young age alongside his father and four brothers. During his lifetime, he managed or owned dairy, beef, and grain operations. He was inducted into the Bradley County Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1998.
Varnell was preceded in death by his beloved parents Horace McKinley and Mary Katherine Palmer Beaty. Upon entering Heaven, he was reunited with his wife of 48 years, Jessie Faye Eldridge Beaty. Also, preceding in death, his sisters Gertrude Beaty, Ruby Beaty Hickman and husband Clyde, and infant sister Georgia Lee Beaty; brothers Warner Beaty and wife Mildred, Melvin Beaty, Paul Beaty, David Beaty and wife Mary Belle.
He is survived by one sister Margaret Beaty; his children whom he loved dearly, James Beaty and wife Carol of Lexington, TN, Pam Massengill and husband Barry of Cleveland, TN; Grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Lynn Massengill and wife Autumn of Cleveland, TN, Laura Moore and husband Chad of Cleveland, TN, Dr. Sarah Beaty of Lexington, TN, and Jesse Beaty of Lexington, TN; great-granddaughters who were the light of his life Emmaline Moore, Lynleigh Massengill, and McKinley Massengill. He is also survived by a dearly loved, special lady, best friend and farming buddy Dorothy Keller; sisters-in-law Wanda Faye Beaty and Jean Beaty Quinn, as well as several extended family members and friends.
The family will receive friends Saturday June 4, 2022, from 12:00 to 2:00pm at Candies Creek Baptist Church, Charleston, TN. A celebration service of Varnell’s life will follow at 2:00pm with Dr. Jamison Work officiating. He will be laid to rest following the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Mark Beaty, Randy Beaty, Brian Beaty, Gary Beaty, Eddie Beaty, and Daniel Beaty. Honorary pallbearer Marvin Hickman.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in memory of Varnell Beaty to Candies Creek Baptist Church, 294 Old Eureka Road NW, Charleston, TN 37310.