Keith Merlin Beardsley peacefully passed away Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, surrounded by his family.
Keith was born in Moline, Ill., and graduated from East Moline High School in 1952, where he played halfback for the football team.
He met the love of his life, Mary, in 1953, and they married in 1955. After his graduation from the University of Iowa, Keith and Mary moved to the Washington, D.C., area in 1959.
Keith began working for the U.S. Geological Survey, where his imaginative and innovative work in the areas of computer systems analysis and programming established his reputation as a leader in the field of automatic data processing. His career with U.S.G.S. was a storied one that saw him move to Rolla, Mo.; Vienna, Va.; and ultimately to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. For his work, the secretary of the interior honored him with the Meritorious Service Award in 1982.
Keith loved to travel and was lucky enough to visit many wonderful and exotic countries while stationed overseas. Upon returning to the United States, Keith and Mary ultimately chose to retire to Whispering Pines in 1994 where they quickly made many close friends.
Keith and Mary were members of Emmanuel Espiscopal Church in Southern Pines and later attended the Chapel at Penick Village.
Anybody who knew Keith will remember him as a kind-hearted soul who enjoyed the company of friends. While in Whispering Pines, Keith and Mary very much enjoyed their Dining Out, Twilight Golf and bridge groups.
Most of all, Keith loved his family. Nothing made him happier than the moments he spent with them, and he’ll be forever remembered as the best husband, Dad and Pop-Pop this family could have hoped for.
Survivors include his children Beth Beardsley, of Whispering Pines, Marty Davis (Bill), of Sanford, and Chris Beardsley (Jen), of Billings, Mont.; grandchildren Caitlin (Ryan), Jillian and Chase; brother Lee Beardsley; and brothers-in-law Don Schmidt and Tom Phillips. Keith was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary, and his parents, Alfred and Violet Beardsley.
The family is very grateful for the years of outstanding support provided by the Penick family and loving caregivers of HomeChoice. The family would also like to thank the wonderful help of FirstHealth Hospice in the last days of his life.
Funeral services will be at the Penick Village Chapel on Friday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Keith Merlin Beardsley, please visit Boles’ Tribute Store.
Online condolences: BolesFuneralHome.com.
