Ray Beasley

Ray Beasley spent the afternoon sharing memories with his family and then quietly slipped away that evening on January 28, 2026. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends at Tangies, his favorite coffee hangout.

Edmond Ray Beasley was born on January 3, 1936, in Parsons, Kansas, to the late Edmond Austin Beasley and Mabel Ethyl Bradfield. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Colorado, where they homesteaded on King Mountain, and later settled in Toponas, Colorado.

During his high school years, Ray began dating Frances Morgan. They were married on June 16, 1956, and spent 66 wonderful years together-working side by side, traveling, and sharing their cherished afternoon cup of tea.

Ray attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he earned his pharmacy degree in 1957. This began a long and meaningful career as a pharmacist. He first worked at Smith Drug in American Fork and later purchased Taylor Drug in 1968. After 31 years, he sold the store but continued serving communities by traveling to rural pharmacies to provide relief for resident pharmacists.

Ray was deeply committed to his profession and community. He served as President of the Utah Pharmacy Association in 1993 and as a member of the Utah State Board of Pharmacy from 1993 to 2002. He was honored as Pharmacist of the Year in 2001 and received the Bowl of Hygeia Award in April 2005 for his outstanding community service. He also helped establish a free clinic, continuing his lifelong dedication to helping others.

An adventurer at heart, Ray loved snowmobiling, riding four-wheelers, and water skiing. Those who joined him on his adventures quickly learned to keep up-fast and fearless was his style. His last snowmobile ride was at age 83, and his final four-wheeler ride at age 88.

In retirement, Ray found joy in growing a beautiful garden and apple orchard. He especially loved sharing his harvest with others. Apple picking became a treasured family tradition and remains one of his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's favorite memories.

Ray is survived by his daughter, Raylene (Dave) Petersen; his son, Dennis (Trish) Beasley; and his brother, Melvin Beasley. He is also survived by six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Ray Beasley will be held Thursday, February 5, at 11:00 a.m. at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

If you would like to join Ray's service via live stream, please click the link below:

https://youtube.com/live/eVNlOEiUH90