Raymond E. Beal

Raymond E. Beal, 86, of Canton passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, December 20, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Born on August 24, 1938 in Cambridge, Ohio he was a son of the late Ray and Mary Beal. He is also preceded in death by his first love of his life, Doris Beal. They were married on April 8, 1961 and spent 42 years together. His grandson, Timothy Thomas—who was the first grandchild to call him Papa Ray. His brother, Avonzo Beal and sister-in-law, Louise Gray Cook.

Throughout his professional life, Raymond was a co-owner of Treen's Draperies with his lifelong friend and brother-in-law, Ronald Gray whom he met his first day at Columbus Business College. Together they owned locations in Canton, Akron and Treen’s Bofo in Dover. 

Raymond had a deep faith in God and shared Christ’s love and grace with everyone he met. He instilled his deep faith in all his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Dover for almost 60 years, where he currently served as the Lead Shepherd. His commitment to his faith extended beyond the church walls where he vol-unteered at Aultman Hospital, served on the board of directors at The Canton Christian Home and was a volunteer poll worker for Stark County.

He is survived by the second love of his life, wife, Shirley Elliott Beal, whom he married on November 28, 2003. He was a proud father to Tracy (Carolyn) Beal of Indiana, Scott Beal of Dover, Todd Beal of Tuscarawas, and Alison (Dean) Barn-hart of Dover. He was a stepfather to Barry (Akiko) Elliott of Virginia and Gregg (Danielle) Elliott of Canton. Raymond's family also includes his grandchildren: Jennifer (Shane) Hulmes, Sabrina Beal, Abby (Dominic) Granato, Grace Barnhart, Frank Barnhart, Emma Elliott, and Delainna Elliott, along with two great-grandchildren, Doris and Vivien Hulmes.

Family was at the heart of Raymond's life. He loved traveling and spending time with his family taking many trips with his first wife Doris to New York City, Florida and countless family trips to Myrtle Beach and and Salt Fork. His love of traveling continued with his second wife Shirley. Together they would plan Mystery Trips with all his grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 23rd starting at 1:30 pm in the First Christian Church in Dover with Josh Robinson and Dr. R. Victor Gray officiating. Interment will immediately follow at the Dover Burial Park. The family will be greeting friends on Monday at the church from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church at 3029 North Wooster Ave. Dover, Ohio 44622 or to Aultman Hospice and Palliative Care at 2821 Woodlawn Ave. NW, Canton, Ohio 44708.