David Randall Beebe, wore many hats
David Randall Beebe, 62, of Milton, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.
He was born Aug. 10, 1960, to Donald and Shirley (Lake) Beebe. He began life in Clayton, where he enjoyed an idyllic childhood fishing in Duck Creek, playing Little League, and beginning his legendary habit of getting into mischief. During his middle school years, his parents accepted the positions of director and caretaker of DSP Camp Barnes. His years of living at Camp Barnes and next to Assawoman Wildlife Refuge encouraged his love of all things outdoors. He graduated from Indian River High School Class of 1978 and went on to University of Delaware, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1982.
David wore many hats during his lifetime. He began his first professional career in the hospitality industry as a manager for Bay Resort Motel in Dewey Beach. After 20 years, he acquired South Winds Motel in Dewey Beach, which he owned and operated through 2005. In 2006, he tried to retire to just working at Beebe Evergreens Christmas Tree Farm in Roxana. After three years of working just one job, he once again tackled a new venture in the form of Tiderunner’s Bait and Tackle at Fisherman’s Wharf in Lewes. He then won the bid for the tackle shop at Cape Henlopen State Park Pier, where he opened Lighthouse View Bait and Tackle. Once he met the challenge of running an exemplary tackle shop, he turned his attention to oyster farming. With his partner, Dan Fosnocht, he started the Rehoboth Bay Oyster Company. He continued to run Beebe Evergreens, Lighthouse View Bait and Tackle and Rehoboth Oyster Company until his untimely cancer diagnosis in June of 2022.
During his life, David had a great impact on many people, but he had a special place in his heart for young people. He guided many young men through scouting, mentoring 17 boys on to become Eagle Scouts. He also had a special rapport with the young people that he worked with in both the motels and the tackle shops. He welcomed J-1 students into his employ and made sure they had adequate housing and transportation. He felt a great responsibility for the young students he hired who were so far away from home. He earned their respect and love, and was known as “Daddy Dave.” He led by example. He never asked any employee to do anything that he would not do himself.
David was a Past Master and participating member of the Freemasons in Jefferson Lodge No. 15.
David is survived by his wife of 36 years Julie Hays Beebe; his oldest son, Daniel Scott Beebe and his wife Len Gigante Beebe; and his youngest son, Keith Thomas Beebe. He is also survived by his favorite sister, Carolyn Buchler and her husband Brett; brothers-in-law, Seymore Thomas Hays (Rebecca), Steven Keith Hays and Jeffery Scott Hays (Laurie); and sister-in-law, Claudia Montgomery Hays. David is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Baptiste Buchler (Lauren), Abi Buchler Givens (Aaron), Jacob Donald Buchler (Taylor), Kaitlyn Douglas Hays, Caleb Lake Buchler, Emma Marie Hays, Matthew Steven Hays, Sarah Buchler Dina (RJ), Abby Elizabeth Hays, Emily Christine Hays, Margaret Marie Hays, Julie Christine Hays and Michael ST Hays.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Lee Beebe and Shirley Lake Beebe.
Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m., Monday, April 3, at Parsell Funeral Home Atkin-Lodge, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 4, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W. Fourth St., Lewes. Friends may call an hour before the service.
Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Lewes.
To read David’s full obituary, visit parsellfuneralhomes.com and sign his virtual guestbook.
