Donald Beall Jr
May 1, 1919 – November 22, 2012
Born in Goshen, Indiana to Donald Laurence Beall and Nellie Irene Bloss, Don was blessed with natural art ability and later found his calling in mechanical drawing. After graduating high school in 1937, he was awarded an Art Scholarship and attended Notre Dame University. Times were tough then and having been sought after by it’s owner, Don went to work as a Mechanical Draftsman for Edward’s Iron Works in South Bend, Indiana.
In December 1941, he joined the U.S. Naval Reserves and was soon called to duty during WWII. Don was promoted six times and served in numerous theatres to include the American, Asiatic-Pacific, European and Philippine Libration Theatres. As a Torpedoman’s Mate First Class aboard the U.S.S. Bennion (DD-662), he was awarded the Bronze Star by then Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal for his heroic combat service during a first-of-its-kind, night torpedo attack against formidable Japanese enemy forces; a high-risk mission akin to the biblical David vs. Goliath. After serving over two and a half continuous years at sea without furlough, he was honorably discharged via Board of Medical Survey in August 1945 at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California.
Undaunted and determined, in 1946 Don moved to New York City where he started work for the Sperry Corp as a Mechanical Draftsman and then later in 1964, as a Design Engineer for the Sperry Rand Corp in Oldsmar, Florida. In this as in all his previous capacities, he was precision-driven and a perfectionist by nature. Over a span of 38 years, he utilized his GOD-GIVEN talents to support the important development of numerous, mission-crucial DoD weapon system projects. In short, Don Beall dedicated and worked his entire adult life serving and contributing to the defense of this great nation until he retired (May 1984), from Unisys in Oldsmar,Florida.
Additionally on a personal note, a side of Don was a kind, very giving man who generously donated money and materials to various churches and organizations supporting the needy. He enjoyed reading, was an American history buff of sorts and lifelong member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the U.S. Naval Institute.
To finalize, in his life, Don Beall became a firm believer in GOD; he was a staunch supporter of the U.S. Constitution (as written by the Founders); and although some might characterize him as “old fashioned” and perhaps unflappable in his views, he always did so with an eye towards moving this country (and indeed the world), towards a better place for all to live and to ultimately do so while achieving the all-to-elusive-goal of peace on Earth and good will towards men. Imagine that!
Don is survived by his daughter, Dolores Carr, New Tampa; his son-in-law, Donald Carr, Palmetto; his grand daughter, Jennifer McIntire and great grand daughter, Morgan Viljoen (both of Tampa); and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Beall will be interred with military honors port-side prior to a private burial at sea.
