Sam Ray Beaver Jr.

Sam Ray Beaver, Jr, 70, of Ooltewah, TN, passed away on October 10th, 2021, in Chattanooga, TN.

He was born in Alcoa, TN, to the late Sam and Lorene Beaver. Sam graduated from Alcoa High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee before beginning his extensive career in nuclear energy. He worked for TVA and multiple architectural engineering firms before joining Enercon Services, a nuclear engineering consulting firm. He enjoyed his role there as a project manager and later director for over 20 years. His extensive expertise in his field also led him to serve as an expert witness in the United States Supreme Court.

In 1983, he married the love of his life, Joyce. They were married for 38 years and had two children, Lori and Charlie. His family was his greatest pride and joy. Sam enjoyed fishing, cars, Formula 1, and cheering on the Tennessee Vols. He retired in 2017 to fulfill his dream of living on the lake with his wife and beloved dog, Bruiser.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Beaver; his daughter, Lori Nichols and her husband Marc Nichols; his son, Charlie Beaver; his brother, Barry Beaver; and his three grandsons, Thurston, Charleston, and Weston Nichols.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Sam to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at JDRF.ORG.

Services will be held Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 2 PM in the Heritage Funeral Home Chapel — 7454 E Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421. The service will be immediately followed by a "Celebration of Life" reception at The Car Barn — 6721 Heritage Business Ct, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

You may visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences to the family, view the video tribute, and watch the livestream service in the event you cannot attend.

Click HERE to view the livestream