Michael James Beaver

Michael James Beaver, age 69, of Viola, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, in Salem, Arkansas. He was born on February 21, 1956, in Paso Robles, California, to Bobby Gene and Elza Fern (Hand) Beaver.

Michael spent his professional career as an appraiser for TASC (Total Assessment Solutions Corporation), where he was respected for his knowledge, work ethic, and integrity. He was a proud member of the Viola First Baptist Church in Viola, Arkansas.

Michael was a man of many talents and a lifelong learner. He trained under a Korean Taekwondo Master, enjoyed stock car racing at West Plains, and was a skilled golfer who loved the game and played it with respect, fairness, and competitive spirit. He was known for his mechanical mind and his ability to fix or improve almost anything. From restoring vehicles and building houses with his dad to helping construct malls, hotels, and even Kyle Field at Texas A&M, Michael took great pride in every project he undertook.

He was not one to accumulate material things—he valued people, purpose, and doing what was right. Michael had a big heart and was always willing to stop and help anyone in need. He was generous, humble, and full of good humor—he loved to banter, joke, and bring a smile to those around him.

Michael had a deep love for children, often teasing them playfully and giving them small gifts just to see them smile. In his later years, he took up oil painting and found great joy in expressing himself creatively. He was also an avid reader who began each morning with his Bible and enjoyed a good science fiction or mystery novel.

He is survived by his brother, Tim Beaver of Viola, Arkansas; two sisters, Debbie West of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Kathy Brown (Roger) of West Plains, Missouri; and many other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby Gene and Elza Fern Beaver.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Viola First Baptist Church in Viola, Arkansas, with Bro. Craig Golden officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church. Interment will follow in the Viola Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ronny Richmond, Brock Love, Jerry Richmond, Darick Brown, Chuck Downum, and Roger Brown. Honorary pallbearers will be Hal Middlebrooks, Jackie Estes, and golfing buddies (Tuffy Smith, Marvin Maguffee, James Blevins, Bob Foster, Dannie Lafferty, Chuck McKnight, Donnie Bryant, Terry Harris, Bob Maguffee, and JW Blevins).

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.