James Ray Beaty, 82, passed away Friday, July 3, 2026, surrounded by his family, at Shearer Richardson Nursing Home after a short battle with cancer. He was born March 2, 1944, in Dumas, MS, to the late James Clifton Beaty and Ruth Dale Hodges Beaty. He graduated from Okolona High School in 1964. He married Jo Ann Wilson Beaty on May 20, 1966 and that union lasted until her passing in 2024. He was an over the road truck driver for many years. He retired from the City of Okolona Water Department after also working for the police and electric departments. He was a member of Egypt Baptist Church.

Services will be 4 PM Tuesday at Lee Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Cliff Norwood officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be 2 - 4 Tuesday. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

He is survived by his three daughters, Teresa McDonald (David) of Okolona, Tanya Dickerson (Dewayne) of Mooreville and Tina Norwood (Clint) of Mooreville; nine grandchildren, Andrew McDonald (Ashley) of Okolona, Haley Dickerson of Panama City Beach, FL, Amber Buse (Kasey) of Saltillo, Amanda Guyton (Devin) of Okolona, Karli McCoy (Mark) of Baldwyn, Wesley Norwood of Mooreville, Lakyn Dickerson (Jessie) of Mooreville, Alex McDonald (Karleigh) of Okolona and Sadie Norwood (Tyler) of Mooreville; eight great-grandchildren, Brayden McDonald (Abbie), Rylan McKay, Ava McKay, Landon McDonald, Mackinsey Guyton, Aubrey Buse, Bentley Buse and Grady McCoy; nephews, Alan Young of Houston, Steve Johnson and David Johnson of Pontotoc, nieces, Debbie Johnson of Pontotoc and Dale Young of Houston.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jo Ann Beaty; two sisters, Althea Jean Young and Mary Johnson; one great-grandchild, Cayden Guyton.

Pallbearers will be Andrew McDonald, Alex McDonald, Devin Guyton, Kasey Buse, Mark McCoy, Jessie Hurst, Brayden McDonald, Rylan McKay, Dwight Parker and Sam Warren. Honorary Pallbearers will be Glen May, Larry Hall, Phillip Hall, Bentley Buse, Landon McDonald, Grady McCoy, Wesley Norwood and Tyler Whitten.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff of Shearer-Richardson Nursing Home and nurses and staff of Legacy Hospice.