David "Gene" Eugene Beam

NEW ELLENTON, SC – DAVID E. “GENE” BEAM, 96, husband of the late Mary Sue Beam, died Friday, February 2, 2018 at his residence. A native of Shelby, NC, Gene was a son of the late Joseph Luther and Addie Barnett Beam. He proudly served his country as a sergeant in the United States Air Force in World War II. After the war he returned to Shelby, NC and farmed until he moved to New Ellenton in 1952 to go to work for DuPont at the Savannah River Plant. He worked for 28 years with DuPont Patrol. He was a former member of the New Ellenton Jaycees and was active in New Ellenton Youth Sports, coaching Little League Baseball. Mr. Beam loved gardening and has given away tons of tomatoes to family and friends over the years. He was an avid fisherman. He dearly loved going to, watching and supporting his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their sporting activities. Survivors include his daughter, Donna Beam Fowler (Rick), Aiken; his son, Chris Beam (Dawn), Jackson; grandchildren, Ashley Dixon Miller, Kristy Dixon Harden (Chris), Tara Beam Fulghum (Eddie), Kristen Beam Clark; step-grandchildren, Stephanie Fowler Palmer (David), Richard G. Fowler II; eleven great-grandchildren; sister, Ruby Beam Sperling (Glen), Cherryville, NC; brother, Buford Wray Beam (Doris), Shelby, NC; sister-in-law, Madge Beam, Shelby, NC. In addition to his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Sue, he was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Jack Beam, Hubert Beam; a sister, Mattie Sue Beam Lowery. The family will receive friends Wednesday afternoon, February 7th beginning at 1 o’clock at Shellhouse – Rivers Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 2 o’clock in the chapel with The Rev. Gary Romines officiating. Interment will be in Southlawn Cemetery with military honors. Pallbearers will be Don Beam, Phil Beam, Van Beam, Eddie Fulghum, Chris Harden, Larry McClain, Carter Harden and Caleb Miller. The family would like to extend their thanks to Angel Black and Agape Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare (www.letlovelive.org) or Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org). SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David "Gene" Eugene Beam, please visit our flower store.