Ron Beane: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Devotion

From the Classroom to the Boardroom, Former GWU Trustee Dedicated His Life to Service, Faith, and Advocacy for Future Generations

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University joins the community in mourning the loss of Ron Beane, a beloved former trustee, educator, and dedicated servant-leader, who passed away on Oct. 15. His connection to Gardner-Webb ran deep, beginning as a student in the 1950s and extending through decades of loyal service, leadership, and support. His life was defined by his unwavering commitment to education, Christian service, and environmental stewardship, values that mirror the University’s mission.

Beane’s connection to Gardner-Webb began as a student in the mid-1950s, when he attended what was then Gardner-Webb Junior College, graduating in 1957. His college years were defined by active leadership and involvement. He contributed to campus life in many ways including serving as the associate editor of “The Pilot,” the student newspaper, and he was a student-athlete playing for the Runnin’ Bulldogs basketball team.

These early experiences at Gardner-Webb laid the foundation for a life dedicated to shaping young minds and giving back to his community. As a devoted supporter of Gardner-Webb, Beane showcased his commitment through active involvement with the Christian Service Organization (CSO). His passion for student-athletes was honored with a Lifetime Membership in the Bulldog Club, recognizing his significant contributions to Runnin’ Bulldogs athletics. In addition to these areas, Beane generously gave both his time and financial resources to support various other initiatives across campus life​​.

Dr. William M. Downs, president of Gardner-Webb University, reflected on Beane’s life and legacy: “I feel privileged to have known Ron Beane. He was a giant of a gentleman, and his kindness was always on full display. Ron’s dedication to Gardner-Webb, to our students, and to the values we hold dear will continue to inspire generations here in Boiling Springs and beyond. Teacher, coach, administrator, and man of solid faith and high character…Ron Beane has gifted us an enduring and impressive legacy of leadership, compassion, and integrity.”

After completing his associate degree at Gardner-Webb, Beane earned a bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State Teacher’s College (now Appalachian State University) in 1959. Furthering his commitment to education, he began his career as a teacher and coach at Davenport Jr. High School in Lenoir, N.C., where his leadership on the basketball court led his teams to the state playoffs eight times in 10 years. His love for teaching and coaching was followed by a successful career in school administration, eventually becoming an associate superintendent for Caldwell County, N.C., Schools before retiring in 1994​.

In addition to his educational pursuits, Beane was a committed public servant. Following his retirement from education, he served as a Caldwell County Commissioner for 12 years, a role in which he championed environmental conservation, public education, and community well-being. One of his most notable achievements as commissioner was securing the Wild and Scenic River designation for Wilson Creek, a treasured natural resource in Caldwell County. His work in conservation earned him appointments to the National Public Lands Steering Committee and the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund Committee​.

Beane’s passion for the environment extended beyond public office. He was an avid outdoorsman, and he engaged in activities that connected him deeply with nature. His commitment to environmental conservation was more than just preserving the land for future generations, it was also about inspiring others to appreciate and protect the natural world. Through his leadership with organizations like the N.C. Foothills Conservancy, Beane made lasting contributions to environmental stewardship in his region​.

Beane co-authored “Fly Fishermen of Caldwell County: North Carolina Life Stories,” a collection of personal narratives that captures the experiences of local fly fishermen in western North Carolina. Through this work, Beane sought to preserve the legacy of these remarkable individuals, documenting their fishing traditions, the natural landscapes they cherished, and the enduring bonds formed through their shared passion.

Throughout his life, Beane remained dedicated to Christian service and community leadership. He was a devoted member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church, Granite Falls, N.C., where he served as a Sunday School teacher and previously chaired the board of deacons. His faith was a cornerstone of his life and guided his service to others, whether through his work with Gardner-Webb, his advocacy for student-athletes, or his involvement in numerous civic organizations.

One of the most significant recognitions of his Christian service came in 2019, when Beane received the prestigious N.C. Baptist Heritage Award. This award, sponsored by the North Carolina Baptist State Convention and the N.C. Baptist Foundation, is one of the highest honors given by the Convention and is presented to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Baptist life and ministry​​​.

Beane’s commitment to uplifting his community was evident through his involvement with numerous organizations, including Caldwell Opportunities, the Koinonia Board of Directors, and Blue Ridge Energy’s Community Leaders Council. His dedication and passion for sports were recognized with his induction into the Caldwell County Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. Over the years, Beane received additional honors, such as the Caldwell County L.A. Dysart Award in 2006, followed by his induction into the Caldwell County Schools Hall of Honor in 2007.

In 2012, his lifetime of service was honored when he was awarded the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine by North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue. This award, one of the highest civilian honors in the state, is given to individuals who have shown exemplary service to North Carolina and their communities​.

Beane’s impact on Gardner-Webb and the greater community will be remembered for years to come.

The family will receive from 4-6pm on Saturday, Oct. 19, at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home in Lenoir. Read the obituary, here.

The service will be Sunday, Oct. 20, at 3 p.m. at Mountain Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Sam Craven officiating. Interment will immediately follow in the church cemetery.

As Gardner-Webb reflects on the loss of one of its most devoted alumni and trustees, the University celebrates Ron Beane’s life as one well-lived, full of purpose, service, and a relentless desire to make the world a better place.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.