Donald Broadus Beam, 68, passed away Tuesday evening, January 26, at Bon Secours Hospital, Greenville, SC after a short illness and complications due to Covid19.

Donnie lived with his beloved wife in Fountain Inn, SC. He and his wife, Libby Stewart Beam, shared over 30 years of marriage and a lifetime of love and friendship. Donnie was born in Shelby, NC.

Donnie was the oldest son of the late Broadus Oates Beam and Irene Norman Beam of Blacksburg, SC. Donnie, and his younger brother Randy Beam, grew up in the Antioch Community of Blacksburg and spent their childhood on their dad's farm on Beam Road and helping their mom bake cakes and cater for every wedding and special event in their area. Donnie was an intellect and a thinker and often times was the culprit of he and his brother's mischief. Donnie was a lifelong member of Antioch Baptist Church in Blacksburg and leaves behind many fond memories of his life there in Antioch.

Family left to cherish his memory, and his ongoing love of life, are his wife, Libby, of Fountain Inn, SC; his faithful brother, Randy Beam and wife Jill; Nieces Mollie Beam Dixon and husband Michael and Alice Anne Beam, all of Blacksburg, SC; a Nephew: Kellan Beam and wife Brianna of Seabrook, SC; as well as a great niece and 2 great nephews, Madison, Mason, and Miles Dixon. Donnie also shared a close family connection with his cousins: Sammy and Julia Nichols of Kings Mountain, NC and Tim and Lynn McCraw Rowland of Grover, NC along with Eddie McCraw of Greenwood, SC, as well as countless friends and neighbors at Carolina Springs Golf Club in Fountain Inn, SC. Donnie also leaves his behind his feline friend, Mia, for her to love on Libby like she loved on him.

Donnie worked for 40 years, spent 22 years at Minette Mills in Grover NC and the remainder of his career in South Carolina. He made so many lifelong friendships wherever he was placed in this world. After retiring from his work-service industry, Donnie answered a most special calling to drive a school bus for children with special needs in Greenville County Schools, SC. This was one of his greatest passions and he experienced a grand sense of joy in this newfound workplace. Donnie also drove a bus during his high school years at Blacksburg High School in Blacksburg, SC.

"Hey, Let's Give a Cheer, Carolina is Here. The Fighting Gamecocks Lead The Way!" Anyone who ever knew Donnie can tell you what an avid Carolina Gamecock Fan he was- a lifetime fan through the good and the bad! Donnie also agreed with the great golfer, Arnold Palmer, and lived by the mantra that "Golf satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening- and golf is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented." What an avid golfer he was to the very end.

Donnie's life was a Blessing, his Memory a Treasure. He was Loved Beyond Words, and Will be Missed Beyond Measure.

Family and Friends of Donnie can be visited at their perspective homes. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Greenville County, SC or to any donor's charity of choice.

A celebration of Donnie's life will be conducted at Antioch Baptist Church, 839 Antioch Road, Blacksburg, SC at 2:00 in the afternoon on Friday, January 29. Wear your Gamecock Gear or your Black and Red (Donnie's Favorite Colors). The family ask that you please wear a mask and engage in social distancing as much as possible.