Tom & Brownie Beavers

Where There Is Smoke There Is Generosity

In his last will and testament Thomas L. Beavers provided a bequest for the benefit of the Richlands First United Methodist Church in the amount of $100,000. Mr. Beavers and his wife, Brownie Beavers, were grateful to the gospel ministry of Richlands First UMC in the lives of their families and friends and in the broader Richlands community. Stephanie B. Holby, as executrix for the estate of her father in consultation with her sister, Cindy Binkman, created THE TOM & BROWNIE BEAVERS MERCY AND OUTREACH FUND in the Foundation in order to implement the wishes of their father and to provide a legacy to the kindness and generosity of their parents.

Tom Beavers was born in Richlands on November 12, 1924, the son of Tom and Nance Beavers. He spent his entire childhood in Richlands, graduating from Richlands High School in 1942, where he was a high-achieving student and athlete. He was given the nickname "Smokey" in his early years and many of his friends called him "Smoke" or "Smokey" for the rest of his life. He had one brother, Pete Beavers. Both Tom and Pete served their country with distinction during World War II. Pete made the ultimate sacrifice dying in combat in France in 1945. Following the war, Tom completed his education receiving his degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1950, before beginning a very successful career that spanned the rest of his lifetime in the construction industry. First in Virginia, then in Tennessee, and eventually in Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived for nearly 50 years.

Tom was also the nephew of Bob and Lorraine Repass, who also spent their lives in Richlands and were active at Richlands First UMC. Tom and Brownie's two daughters, Stephanie and Cindy have many fond memories of their regular family trips to Richlands to visit "Granny and Tom" Beavers, as well as "Ainie and Bobby" Repass, who were long-time operators of THE TOWNE SHOPPE clothing store. These memories include many happy times participating in worship services and Sunday school programs at Richlands First UMC.

THE TOM & BROWNIE BEAVERS MERCY AND OUTREACH FUND'S priority will be to provide annual distributions to sustain the mercy and outreach ministry of the church through grants to support those in need due to poverty, health crisis or lack of educational resources. The fund will not replace other church funds meant to provide assistance, but extend and enhance the ministry of the church.

Stephanie and Cindy are proud of their parents and thankful to the people of Richlands and Richlands First UMC for helping to shape their lives and being there for their family through good times and hard times.