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In memory of

Benjamin Murphy Beall

Douglasville, GA, USA

May 8, 1948 - February 24, 2020

May 8, 1948 - Feb 24, 2020

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AND THE ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN AND OUT STEPS.......

Mr. Benjamin Murphy Beall, Jr, known by friends and family as "Benny", 71, of Douglasville, GA, exited stage left on Monday, February 24, 2020. On May 8, 1948, in Atlanta, GA, the red curtains parted ways and Ben was born to the late Benjamin Murphy Beall, Sr, and Annie Ruth Popham "Poppy". From a young age, his interest in television held a grip on him that would shape him into the person that he was to become. Ben enjoyed Dobie Gillis, The Red Skelton Hour, and The Jack Benny Program, just to name a few.

He also fell in love with the great American pastime, baseball. Because he wasn't terribly athletic, becoming a comedian must have seemed much more attainable than attempting to become a professional baseball player. He was in fact Methodist, but probably more accurately described as Democratic by faith.

In addition to his parents, Ben was also predeceased by his amazing wife, Joan Wilkins Beall and his equally as stubborn sister, Linda Kate Beall.

Ben completed his extremely prestigious edumacation at Douglas County High School in 1966. He then went on to serve in the Air Force during Vietnam with $10 in his pocket.....which he said came in very “handy” and coincidentally where he found his second love, Mary Jane.

Ben worked various jobs throughout the years, but anyone who knew him, knew that his true passion was for comedy. In his own words he was, "A comedian with an edgy take on life, in the style of Steven Wright. His cerebral humor left the audience scratching their heads and spit-taking their drinks....(i.e. - increased alcohol sales)". He was proud to have booked gigs at the Improv, Funny Bones, Comedy Zones and Punchlines......not sure if they were quite as proud to have him booked? His signature set move was bringing an attractive, unsuspecting young lady onstage and forcing her to do a dance to the Piccadilly commercial song with him. I would imagine she probably left whatever venue she was at for the evening questioning her life choices and how she ended up there. Comedy agents often had their phone numbers changed after his shows. Ben was also extremely proud of the fact that he got to be an extra in the comedy, ‘Road Trip’. He received $50 and a free meal as payment.

Ben was an extremely personable guy with many friends. He rarely met a stranger, but if he did, within minutes of meeting them he had typically broken the ice with a joke, off-colored comment or a political debate. You would rarely catch him out and about without him wearing a t-shirt with a chest pocket, memo pad, pen, bandana and his signature fanny pack. (What he carried in there remains a mystery.) I am extremely relieved that he is finally at peace......AND that I will never have to have another conversation with him about politics.

Jeopardy was also a favorite of his. We rarely ate a dinner where Jeopardy wasn't blaring in the background, but if the phone rang during dinner, so help you God. I truly wouldn't have wanted to be on the other end of that receiver. You did not interrupt us eating dinner and you DEFINITELY did not interrupt Jeopardy. I am thankful that Dad didn't have to live in a world without Alex Trebek, as his heart couldn’t handle a world without him.

Ben was a huge fan of Oldies music. Fox 97.1 was his #1 go-to station when it was on the air. Outside of dad’s massive library of Saturday Evening Post magazines and 8-Track cassettes, his taste in music is about the only other thing of value that I have thankfully inherited from him.

The closest Ben ever got to hitting it big on a TV series was when he auditioned for the starring role in ‘Hoarders’, for his collection of hats and paper magazines dating all the way back to 1968! Ben’s evenings were spent religiously watching Jay Leno, David Letterman, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon. (And back before the DVR days, videotaping it ALL!) And let's be honest, he videotaped everything. EVERYTHING. Every. Thing. I am now considering cruising Pinterest to find ways to repurpose hundreds of VHS tapes and hardcover books....possibly into furniture and 'tiny homes'? Just kidding! Go check out the Hiram Goodwill's recently acquired book collection! ;)

In the summertime, you can bet that the Braves would be on his television or he would be scouting some place out that would be televising it. Ben would spend time at his favorite establishments, such as Gumbeaux’s or Fabiano’s, enjoying the game and drinking a cold one…..or three.

Ben lived an adventurous, yet childless life until October of 1986, when his swimmers FINALLY decided to do their job. As a result of his great creation, Ben is survived by his daughter, Lucy Rebecca Lawson and her husband, Brian. Also surviving Ben, are his four beautiful grandchildren, Jayce, Poppy Belle, Eli & Jack; several aunts; numerous cousins; 32 large boxes of VHS tapes; 783 packets of ketchup; his bong; way too many Playboy magazines; “Blackie”, the black bear Beanie Baby; many, many friends he made throughout the years.

Ben’s final encore will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2020, from 4:30 PM until 7:00 PM, at The Ike Owings Community Center at Hunter Park. We would be beyond grateful to anyone that cares to come celebrate his life with his friends & family. Break a leg, Dad.

Love,

Swee'Pea

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