Wesley Dean Beehner

Wesley Dean Beehner, 75, of Boiling Springs, South Carolina, passed away on July 27, 2026.

Born on April 3, 1951, at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, he was a son of Gilbert E. "Chubby" Beehner and Hattie Marie Lawson Beehner.

Wesley graduated from Davis High School in Trenton, Georgia. During his youth, he played high school football, pumped gas for pennies per gallon, and worked on his grandparents' farm.

Wesley joined the United States Navy in 1970. He graduated from multiple technical schools, culminating in his selection for the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School, Class 7101. As a Nuclear Power Plant Operator, he rose to the rank of Electrician's Mate First Class and qualified as a Submarine Warfare Specialist. He served with distinction aboard both the fast-attack submarine USS Batfish (SSN-681) and the fleet ballistic missile submarine USS James Madison (SSBN-627), completing multiple tours and participating in numerous classified operations.

After leaving the Navy, Wesley worked at the Charleston Naval Shipyard, owned and operated a successful business, and ultimately went to work for BMW in Spartanburg, where he remained until his retirement.

Wesley could fix almost anything that was broken and instilled in his children a love and knowledge for fixing, tinkering, and do-it-yourself projects. He loved woodworking, creating many treasured pieces for his family, and had planned to learn woodturning to create art objects. He spent countless hours researching techniques and watching tutorials when he was no longer physically able to practice his craft.

Shortly before retiring, Wesley was thrilled to begin riding a motorcycle again. He spent many happy hours riding his Harley both locally and cross country.

He is survived by his three children: daughter, Beverly Beehner Gil, her three children and eight great-grandchildren; daughter, Shalyn Garcia; son, Nicolas Beehner. Also surviving are the mother of Shalyn and Nicolas, Cathy Smith Beehner and their eight grandchildren. The respective spouses of Shalyn and Nicolas; three bonus grandchildren; and Wesley's brothers, John Bible and Mike Bible, along with their families.

He was preceded in death by his brother, George "Buddy" Hampton, and his grandson, Justin Gil.

No services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Patriot Guard Riders in memory of Wesley Dean Beehner

https://patriotguard.org/tribute/