Dr. Walter Leon Beers Jr.

Dr. Walter Leon Beers, Jr. 1927 - 2020 Dr. Walter Leon Beers, Jr. passed away on June 19, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born to the late Walter Leon Beers, Sr., and Margaret Murtland Beers of Greensburg, PA, on June 28, 1927. A World War II veteran, he served in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1945-1949, achieving the rank of Sgt. 1st Class. He began his military career at Paris Island, SC, as a Riflery Instructor, followed by a tour of duty in Japan and Northern China. Walt declined an in-service appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy in favor of civilian life, returning to Pennsylvania to attend Penn State University. He received his B. S. in Forestry in 1953 and lettered on the PSU Rifle Team. He was a lifelong Nittany Lion fan. In 1949, Walt married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Merrill (deceased). Barbara taught school while Walt finished his degree at Penn State. After his graduation, he accepted a position with Buckeye Cellulose which moved them to Perry, FL in 1954. At Buckeye as Forest Research Manager, the majority of his work was focused on forest genetics, conducting research in the breeding of larger, straighter, faster growing pine trees. While working full-time at Buckeye, Walt continued his education and obtained his PhD in Plant Physiology at the University of Florida in 1968. An academic by nature, in retirement he worked as a visiting Professor of Forestry for the University of Florida and served as an Associate Editor of the Southern Journal of Applied Forestry. Walt was a lifelong avid Gator fan. Following his passion for photography, Walt and Barbara began II Beers Photography after they both retired. As a professional photographer, he photographed over 250 weddings, took over 200 baby pictures, and photographed many other special events across North Florida. He continued taking family photos and scenic shots the remainder of his life. Walt and Barbara had three children, Walter Bradley Beers (deceased), Barry Leon Beers, (Naomi), Athens, GA, Rebecca Beers Nelsen (Lee), Perry FL, four grandchildren, Matthew Lee Nelsen (Tiffany), Tallahassee FL, Christopher Bradley Nelsen, La Jolla CA, Dr. Megan Beers Wood (Dane), Baltimore MD, John Bradford Beers (deceased), and one great grandchild, Marjorie Nelsen. He was godfather to Sharon Moore Jenkins. Walt married Lucille (Merritt) Carroll in 1997. He embraced his role as a stepfather, step grandfather, and step great grandfather to Lucille’s three children, Tina, Tammy, and Jay, their children and grandchildren. Lucille tenderly cared for him the remainder of his life. He is survived by a brother Dr. Thomas W. Beers (Carolyn), Highlands Ranch, CO, several nephews and nieces and is predeceased by a sister, Margaret Beers Scott. In the 68 years Walt lived in Perry, FL, he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, served on the Taylor County Gator Club (as its first President), the Society of American Foresters, the Kiwanis Club and the Taylor County Country Club. He was a lifelong hunter and fisherman, building his own rods and tying his own flies for trout fishing. He also enjoyed travel, especially RV camping, reading, history, and loved being surrounded by his family and snapping their pictures. A graveside memorial service is planned for Tuesday, July 7th at 11:00 a.m., Pineview Memorial Gardens, Perry FL. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to University of Florida School of Forest Resources and Conservation (sfrc.ufl.edu online or mark F001287 on check) or to a charitable organization of your choice. Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dr. Walter Leon Beers Jr.

June 28, 1927 - June 19, 2020