Raleigh Williams Beach

Raleigh Williams Beach was born April 04, 1934, in Ware, Massachusetts to Shirley and Stuart Beach. He peacefully passed away January 13, 2025 in Albany, GA. He is survived by his wife, Francine Beach, his 3 children Stuart Beach of Bend, Oregon, Sheila (Paul) Krohn of Albany, GA and Darlene (Richard) Hophan of Gulfport, MS 5 grandchildren Lisa (Hank) Ross, Angie Krohn, Christina (Corey) Sims, Kelly Beach, Sabrina Beach and great grandchildren Jackson and Carter Ross. 

He was an only child who loved sports. He played baseball and basketball during his high school years. He made the Allstar basketball team and won the State Championship his Senior year. After high school, he joined the Air Force and found his passion for air traffic control. During his service, he coached service members basketball and had the opportunity to have six locations of service, one of which was Greenland. He also served in the Korean War. After leaving the service, he continued his career in air traffic control with the FAA. He started in Cincinnati, then to Quonset and ended his career as Chief Air Traffic Controller in Providence, Rhode Island. When he retired, the Governor declared that day as Raleigh Beach Day. 

He had a love for people and sports, especially baseball and football. This passion led him to coach little league baseball and guided many young men during their adolescent years. He has always been a longtime fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots and recently, a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. 

He moved to Naples, FL when he retired in 1989 where he enjoyed golfing, fishing and carpentry. He even took a part-time job as a bag boy at Publix, which he said was the best job ever! 

He moved to Leesburg, GA in 2023 to be closer to his family. He led a life full of quality time with friends and family, and enjoying his hobbies. He will be remembered for his wit, his strong zest for life and love for his family. 

His family held a private viewing and will have a celebration of life in Naples, FL this spring.