Joseph Charles Beavon

Joseph Charles Beavon, 81, of Gainesboro, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born on November 18, 1943, in Bellaire, Ohio, to the late Joseph Charles Beavon, Sr. and Anna Martha Marx Beavon.

Joe, an elder in the United Methodist Church, served as the beloved minister at Gainesboro United Methodist Church. His dedication to helping others extended beyond the pulpit. In addition to his long ministerial career, he was a compassionate counselor and spent many years as the Director of Communications at Lutheran Social Services in Centerville, Ohio. He also served as the Director of Development for various non-profit organizations throughout his career.

Joe was a lifelong learner, continually pursuing knowledge and spiritual understanding. He graduated from Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky in 1966, earning his BA in English. He later attended Methodist Theological School in Delaware, Ohio, where he received his Master of Theology in 1969. He was ordained into the Methodist Church on July 20, 1969. In 2002, Joe earned his Doctorate in Theology from Slidell Baptist Seminary College in Slidell, Louisiana, which conferred upon him the title of Rev. Dr. Joseph Charles Beavon, ThD. Later in his career, he served as a professor at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, and at Brightwood College in Nashville, Tennessee.

Beyond his impressive professional and academic achievements, Joe was cherished for his warm personality. He was known as a funny, sweet, and loving man. Throughout his life, he pursued interests in photography and antiquing, and he was a remarkably powerful and expressive writer. One of Joe's most steadfast routines was his daily nap - a non-negotiable priority! Although he was generally a quiet man, when Joe spoke, his words resonated deeply. He was never afraid to advocate for his passions and was always there for those in need, whether offering counseling, helping to draft a letter, or by simply being available as a man with whom one could talk and joke. He will be profoundly missed not only by his family but also by his community, who loved and valued him for his many contributions.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Connie Beavon.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Jane Beavon of Gainesboro, TN; his sons, Joseph Clark (Melanie Sisson) Beavon of Franklin, TN, Kevin Martin (Tonya Campbell) Beavon of Kettering, OH, Jason Cash (Kathryn Andrews) Beavon of Lebanon, OH, and Brian Andrew (fiancée Sonya McAfee) Shilt of Apopka, FL; as well as his daughter, Stephanie Elane (Greg Copley) Lester of Red Boiling Springs, TN.

He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Dr. Jenna Marie (Wacey) Mooney of Centerville, OH, Emily Anne (fiancé Charles Walrath) Beavon of Tallahassee, FL, Jacob Clay Beavon of Toledo, OH, Joseph Connor (friend Sarah Scott Cook) Beavon of Franklin, TN, Joshua Christopher Beavon of Lebanon, OH, and Elizabeth Rae Beavon of Lebanon, OH; and great-grandchildren, Eleanor Violet Mooney of Centerville, OH, and Charlotte Joy Mooney of Centerville, OH. A host of cousins, extended family, and numerous friends also survive him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 1 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Gainesboro, Tennessee. The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 11AM until the time of services at 1 PM, with Rev. Kathryn Bowles officiating.

Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and can be reached at (931) 268-1550.

Flowers and/or memorial contributions are equally welcome. The family suggests memorial donations be made in Joe’s honor to one of the following of Joe’s favorite charities or the charity of your choice:

• UMCOR (The United Methodist Church Global Ministries) @ umcmission.org/give

• Gentle Barn (Animal Sanctuary) @ gentlebarn.org/donate