John “Rocky” Joseph Beaver left this world as we know it on Saturday, October 26, 2019.
Born on December 26, 1948, he was the son of Millard (“Beav”) and Rose.
John learned at an early age the joys of taking things apart and putting them back together, everything from bicycles to 1957 Chevy engines and transmissions. This skill was something he used in one way or another for the rest of his life.
In 1968, after graduating high school at Father Judge, in Philadelphia, PA, John was drafted into the army. He served in Vietnam from 1969-1970 and was discharged with a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, five Oak Leaf Clusters, and other medals for valor above and beyond. John never backed away from a fight.
A true jack of all trades, John made his living as a contractor, for over 40 years. He had a love and a true gift for framing, and was a perfectionist. Every detail of every building he did, was as important to him as the bigger picture. John’s greatest joy was planning buildings and working with his crew to see the job done right.
John was passionate about anything that took him outside, up a mountain, or in the water. He loved canoeing, fishing, hunting, and camping. Fishing on the Gulf of Mexico with his friend, Bobby, was what he enjoyed the most.
In 1994 John met his soulmate, Rikki, and together they built their house on Friars Hill in Renick, WV. They married in 2000 and spent time every winter traveling to warmer climates, and the rest of the year gardening and working on their place.
In 2006 John was diagnosed wth kidney and bladder cancer, and for the rest of his life he battled this disease like the fearless warrior he was, unstoppable. Always looking forward, he continued to work and travel as often as he could and never lost his sense of humor.
John is survived by his wife Rikki; sons, Marc and Paul; stepchildren, Deva, Todd, Lipara, Chris, Jonas, and Suzanne; and grandchildren, Cameron, Sage, Madeline, Ryan, Irie, and Ben.
The family would like to thank all of their incredible and loving friends, who helped so much during this crazy ordeal.
John will be remembered for so many things, his long and crazy stories, his passion for anything with a motor, his unending drive and love for life, and not least of all, being the best looking man in Greenbrier County. We will miss you Beav.
A memorial party will be held in the near future and will be open to all who know the secret handshake.
McCraw Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary originally published in the November 4, 2019, edition of The West Virginia Daily News.
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