“Immensely giving and generous.”

This is how Roger and Sherry Beasley describe their son, Beau Beasley.

In February 2017, at the age of 36, Beau had a heart attack and passed away. To honor him and to continue his legacy of kindness and generosity, his parents have established the Beau Justin Beasley Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia.

Beau was born in Henry County and graduated from Patrick County High School in 1999. He received an Associate Degree in Administration of Justice from Patrick Henry Community College in 2003. At the time of his passing, he had been working for the US Postal System for about six months.

“He was the kind of man who would give his last dollar to someone in need,” Sherry Beasley said of her son. Beau attended Mercy Church and often helped other churches with projects and fundraisers. He also cared deeply for children and devoted much of his time as a volunteer basketball coach at Stuart Elementary School and Blue Ridge Elementary School, both in Patrick County. Beau was the father of Leah and Keaton Beasley and step-father to Hannah and Tyler Handy.

After his heart attack, Beau’s parents knew they wanted to do something to honor him. They considered creating a charitable foundation, but ultimately chose to work with the Community Foundation to set up an endowed fund that will last in perpetuity.

“What better way to honor his life than by giving back to things he would have felt strongly about,” his parents said.

Last year, his parents gave gifts of $1,000 each in Beau’s memory to several non-profit organizations, including The Hazel Y. Clark Patrick County Public Animal Shelter, Caring Hearts Free Clinic of Patrick County, Stuart Volunteer Fire Department, CCDF Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, and Gideons International-Patrick County Camp.

This year’s grants will include Caring Hearts Free Clinic of Patrick County, SPCA of Martinsville and Henry County, Henry County Food Pantry, Patrick County Food Pantry, Hazel Y. Clark Patrick County Public Animal Shelter, Jeb Stuart Volunteer Rescue Squad, Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department, CCDF Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, and Gideons International- Henry County Camp, and Gideons International-Patrick County Camp.

To help perpetuate Beau’s legacy, contribute to the Beau Justin Beasley Charitable Fund. Gifts can be made to Community Foundation serving Western Virginia and mailed to P.O. Box 1124, Martinsville, Va., 24114, with the name of the fund on the memo line.

Donations are tax deductible.

For more information, visit www.cfwesternva.org. To donate online, click on “Donate Now.”