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Drewery Norman Beale
Drewery Norman Beale, 84, of Roanoke Rapids, died Sunday, February 17, 2019, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC.
Drewery was born in 1934, and grew up in the city's mill village, thus the reason why he had such a heart to see the area returned to the way it used to be.
In 1954, Drewery served our country in the U.S. Air Force. In 1958, he came out of the service and immediately went to work at the Roanoke Rapids Police Department where he stayed for 38 years. He became Police Chief in 1968 at the age of 32. From Motorcycle Cop to Police Chief, Drewery saw many changes, including relocation of the police department to its present location in uptown Roanoke Rapids.
While serving as Chief, Drewery attended the FBI Academy and graduated in 1972. He retired as Chief from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department on December 31, 1997, but service to the city did not end, as he served four years on the city council, and on December 1, 2005, began his second four-year term as Mayor of Roanoke Rapids.
Drewery has a lengthy list of accomplishments, including:
- In 1968, was named "Young Man of The Year" by the Roanoke Rapids Jaycees.
- In 1972, he was named "Police Officer of the Year" by the National Exchange Club - Roanoke Rapids Chapter.
- In 1974, he received the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the State of North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission.
- In 2004, he was honored by the Roanoke Valley Rescue Squad for loyal and dedicated service.
- On April 20, 2006, he was honored with the Boy Scout's Distinguished Citizen Award for his dedicated service to the citizens of Roanoke Rapids.
He served the community as a member of the following boards and committees:
- Currently was serving on the Hospital Board for Halifax Regional Medical Center.
- Currently was serving on the Halifax County ABC Board
- He served as Chairman of the Halifax County Mental Health Board from July 1, 1973 to June 30, 1996.
- He served as a member of the Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
- He served on the Northeast Partnership Board, Chairman of the CEO Search Committee, Chairman of the Contract Committee and served on the reorganization committee for the Northeast Partnership and Commission.
- He served on The NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
- He served on the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce Board.
On March 15, 2008, the fire station located at 638 Hwy 125 was dedicated to Drewery N. Beale and was named Mayor D. N. Beale fire station #2.
Drewery N. Beale, Mayor proclaimed April 8, 2003, as "Bishop Dready Manning Day" in Roanoke Rapids. He saw this as being one of the highlights during his tenure as Mayor.
Drewery was preceded in death by his parents, Wiley Tom and Rosa Ella Blythe Beale; three sisters, Gracie Lee Beale Hux, Alice Beale and Louise Beale Warren; three brothers, Roger Tom Beale, Walter Beale and Lawrence Beale. He was also preceded in death by his loving furry friends, SueEllen, Miss Allie and the apple of his eye, McGraw, whom he loved so much.
Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Gail Beale; two sons, Artie Elias and his wife, Paula, Chris Elias and his fiancée Tammy; one daughter, Joy Beth "J.B." Beale; five grandchildren, Joe Elias and his wife, Jessica, Ashton Elias, Mckenzie Elias, Madison Elias, and Christopher Elias-Rickard and his wife, Daisy; four great-grandchildren, Caleb Elias, Collin Elias, Mila Belle and William Rickard; five nephews, Cliff Hux and his wife, Mary, Joe Hux and his wife, Candy, Sam Hux and his wife, Karen, Alvin Warren and wife, Linda, Jesse Warren and wife, Lisa; two nieces, Rosa Hux Milby and her husband, Billy, Betty Jean Warren Rose and her husband, Randy; brother-in-law, Jackie Ray Price and his wife, Mary; and a very special sister-in-law, Betty Lou Lynch, who was always so willing to help and who I loved like a sister. Very special friends, Bobby Whitby, who always made himself available whenever we called on him and needed his help. Thank you, Bobby, you were like a brother to me and you will never know how much you helped me physically and touched my life spiritually. Thank you, Kathy Kearney, what a dear, special friend. Kathy moved into our home for several months to help in any way she was needed when I had foot surgery. Another special friend, Sheryl Clark, has always made herself available to help in every way when called on; she was always just a phone-call away. For that, I have always been so grateful.
Visitation will be held on Thursday night, February 21, 2019, at Askew Funeral & Cremation Services from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.
The funeral will be held on Friday, February 22, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at Victory Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Martin and Bobby Whitby officiating.
Interment will follow in Cedarwood Cemetery with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: St Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or to: Angels Closet, c/o Gilbert Portela, 228 Hunting Ridge Rd., Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.
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