Fairfield chairman John Barclay Beall dies at 77
LENOIR, N.C. — John Barclay Beall, fourth-generation chairman of century-old family furniture company Fairfield, died peacefully Sept. 24, surrounded by his family. He was 77.
Born March 18, 1948, in Lenoir to James and Lorraine Beall, Beall graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1968 and then began working at Beall Oil Co. Eventually he became president of the company, leading it until its sale in 1998.
Following the passing of his brother James Harper Beall III, in 2015 Beall assumed the role of chairman of the board of Fairfield Chair Co., founded by his great-grandfather in 1921.
“John was a good and kind man, a strong Christian and a strong leader,” said Anne-Lindsay Beall, lead director of Fairfield’s board of directors and a fourth-generation member of the Beall family in the company. “He loved Fairfield and its people deeply. His values of faith, integrity and care for others will continue to guide this company.”
In addition to his business leadership, Beall served as a Caldwell County commissioner and was appointed to the N.C. Department of Transportation by former Gov. Jim Martin. He also dedicated time to the Grandfather Home for Children, serving on its board for many years.
Beall is survived by his wife of 53 years, Josephine, three children, eight grandchildren, and two sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hurricane Helene Relief Fund at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock or to Camp Blue Skies, a nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities.
