John Thomas Beattie

John Thomas Beattie, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished Paw Paw, proud veteran, and faithful friend, passed away on April 15, 2025, at the age of 76.

Born in Shelby, North Carolina on February 3, 1949, John grew up in the surrounding community, where he began building a life grounded in integrity, hard work, and love for family. He graduated from Gaffney High School in Gaffney, South Carolina, where he proudly pole vaulted for the school’s track team, a sign of his lifelong determination and spirit.

After high school, John answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. Over the course of eight years, he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and worked as a personnel specialist, exemplifying dedication and leadership in everything he did.

Upon returning home, John poured that same dedication into starting Beattie Painting, a family-owned and operated business. With his wife managing the office and John and his sons handling the painting jobs, it became more than just a business—it was a shared family legacy. John believed in doing things the right way, with honesty, pride, and a paintbrush in hand. Today, his sons continue to run the business, proudly carrying on their father’s commitment to quality, integrity, and hard work—values that have become the foundation of the Beattie name.

John’s life was rich with the things he loved: the quiet concentration of a golf course, the friendly competition of a bowling league, and the crack of the bat on a sunny softball field. He was an athlete and a coach, giving his time selflessly to mentor not only his own children but also countless others through Little League and girls’ fast-pitch softball. His players respected him not just for his knowledge, but for his patience, encouragement, and belief in their potential.

He was a former member of Grace Baptist Church, where he was baptized in 1976. His faith was a quiet, steady force in his life, much like John himself—a man of his word, strong in character, and generous in heart.

To his family, John was so much more than any title could capture. He was the rock, the provider, the encourager. He was “Dad,” “Coach,” “Boss,” and often, “Best Friend.” He was always there when you needed him, offering a helping hand, a second chance, or just a listening ear.

Above all, John was a husband deeply devoted to the love of his life. Married for nearly 56 beautiful years, he and his beloved wife, Patsy, built a life full of laughter, love, and shared dreams.

John leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and kindness—a life well-lived, and a man well-loved. His presence will be deeply missed but his spirit will live on in the family, friends, and community he touched so profoundly.

John was preceded in death by his daughter Kristin Brianna Beattie.

His memory will forever be treasured by his wife, Patsy; children, Thomas Brian Beattie (Andrea) of Bonaire, Georgia, Timothy Brent Beattie (Leslie) of Bonaire, Georgia, and Andrew Blake Beattie of Waynesville, North Carolina; grandchildren, Brianna Beattie, Tristan Beattie, Jordan Beattie, Sydni Beattie, Rainey Yaughn, Kaylyn Beattie, Bryleigh Beattie and Skylar Beattie; mother, Rachael Phillips Packard; and brothers, Chris Cobb (Brenda) of North Carolina and Neil Packard (Jane) of North Carolina.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home with a funeral service immediately following, in the chapel. Afterward, John will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of John Beattie to The Rathbun House at 121 Sherwood Rd. Asheville, NC 28803.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.