Obituary of Ray A. Beer Sr.

Ray A. Beer Sr., 91, passed away October 15, 2020, in Moses Lake, Washington.  He was born October 13, 1929, to Frank Lincoln Beer and Maud Irene (Simerson) Beer in Guthrie Center, Iowa. Over the years, he also lived in Malaga, Washington; Tacoma, Washington; and Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Ray attended a technical school to train for truck driving.  He was a professional boxer in the lightweight division at age 18.  He was hired as one of the painters on the Narrows Bridge because he was not afraid of heights. He was given the nickname of “Heidelberg” by his coworkers.  He later became a roofer/contractor.

 

He married Mary M. Bennett on May 8, 1951, and later by Betty Ann Sharlow on March 22, 1969, in Tacoma.

 

Ray could be “ornery” at times, and yet he was kind to those in need.  He was family-focused throughout his life, and took time after work to visit his large family.  Even after he became disabled, he still visited family members on a regular basis.

 

He loved watching movies and westerns, and enjoyed watching the older wrestlers, such as Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. One time he and his dad were at the Tacoma Armory watching a wrestling match, and disagreed with the referee’s call and jumped in the ring to emphasize his opinion.

Other viewing favorites were boxing (of course), football, basketball, and baseball.  In his youth, he disassembled and reassembled the engine of a Model T Ford to the surprise of his father.

 

Ray is survived by his sons, Roger Beer, Ray Beer Jr., Philip Roell and James Roell; daughters, Linda Jacobi, Kathie Beer, Vickie Beer, Sheri Bury, Cynthia Riley and Venesa Brown; 24 grandchildren; 49 great grandchildren; brother, Jerry Beer; and sisters, Eva Riley and Rose Riley.  He was predeceased by his parents; wives, Mary (March 27, 2008) and Betty (February 20, 2009); brothers, George Beer, Charles Beer and Jack Beer; and sisters, Glendora Bury and Anna J. Nygren.

 

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