William Dewey Beasley was born on Saturday, January 14, 1939 to William and Mamie Louise Beasley in Baltimore, Maryland.  He was the second of six children. He lived his early days in Gilmore Project.  The family later moved to 1616 East Biddle Street in Baltimore.

Dewey, or Beasley as most of his relatives and friends called him, was a hard worker and longtime provider for his family. He started working at a very young age and immediately provided assistance to his mother, Louise, after his father's passing. Dewey grew up in Waters A.M.E Church and his mother made sure he attended on a regular basis. He was christened under the late Rev. Harvey Walden and served as an altar boy.

William graduated from Dunbar High School in June 1957. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Marines Corp. After military service, he attended Technology School to gain additional skills that later landed him a job with Western Electric Company. He succeeded in his position as a "Layout Operator". He had a long history with Western Electric, and it allowed him to move to Atlanta Georgia in 1985 when his company was bought by AT & T. He moved to gain his additional time required to retire. He returned to Baltimore, Maryland after his retirement

You could count on Dewey to help in many ways. He was a jack of all trades and was able to complete many projects related to home improvement. He dabbled in plumbing, electric, laying sheet rock, and car repair to name a few of his projects. Dewey loved to fish and went on many trips where he proudly caught and cooked his prey. He enjoyed spending time with his family and loved to talk about old times. He was funny and fun loving.

He met Anne Covington in Baltimore and was united in marriage. From this union with Anne, they had two daughters, Holli Beasley and Kimberly Beasley. Dewey was a loving father, husband, and friend. He became a widower in 1996.

On December 26, 2006, William married Shauntha Sturdivant in Baltimore, Maryland. They loved traveling, entertaining family and friends, and most of all watching their grandchildren grow. They enjoyed attending piano recitals as well as soccer and basketball games where the grandchildren participated. After a long battle with various ailments and several strokes, it was decided that they would move to Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 2015.

On August 23, 2017 at 4:15 A.M., William Dewey Beasley was called home to be with the Lord after an extended stay at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center fighting pneumonia and other health challenges. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mrs. Gwendolyn Beasley Buckson and brother, Richard Byrd Beasley, Sr.

William is survived by his wife, Shauntha Sturdivant Beasley; his children, Holli Beasley Townsend (Amos), Kimberly Anne Beasley, and Damon Sturdivant;  grandchildren Ryan Jordan Beasley Chesley, Lindsay Anne Townsend, Victoria Marie Townsend, Justin Charles Dewey Townsend, Markus Townsend (Lauren), Renee Townsend (Sada); and great granddaughter Riyan Simon Chesley; two siblings, Mrs. Beverley Beasley Glover, Carl Adolf Huntington Beasley (Ann);  Fredrick Sturdivant (brother-in-law); Sheila Davis (sister-in-law); and Rita Turner (good friend); and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at Union Chapel Baptist Church with Reverend Konnie G. Robinson officiating.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 11:00am on Wednesday at the Church.