Harold "Bob" R. Beaver

Harold R. “Bob” Beaver passed away peacefully on May 10, 2024, at the age of 88.

He is survived by his wife, Pat, 2 children Chris Beaver, of Nashville, and Laura Chase (Mrs. Rob Chase) of Lakeland, Florida, and a brother Jim Beaver of Ashland Oregon.

He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Spencer, Hal, and Addison Beaver, and William and Benjamin Chase.

Bob was born and grew up in St Joseph, Missouri, and then attended the University of Kansas, where he earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Geology and Engineering.  In 1968 he and his family moved to Nashville where he founded Beaver Engineering, Inc., a professional Geotechnical Engineering company, one of the first Geotechnical Engineering companies in Nashville. He was responsible for investigating subsurface geology and making foundation recommendations for a great many of the tall buildings, including The South Central Bell tower, known as the Batman building. and SunTrust , now Truist, Bank.  He also conducted investigations for HCA Hospitals all across the South Eastern States. Additionally, Beaver Engineering worked with schools, universities, Churches, airports, apartments, tennis courts and parking garages in the Middle Tennessee, and Southern Kentucky area.  In addition to foundation investigations, he became well known for his work with sink holes and landslides. As Beaver Engineering grew, it added Construction observation and testing, with a complete materials testing laboratory.

He loved studying the subsurface of the earth, which made him an explorer at heart, whether it was discovering the unknown for foundations for new buildings, or looking for oil and gas. 

His family grew up in the Nashville area, and it was his great joy watching each of his children, and grandchildren, who called him “Pop”, grow and become adults.  It was a normal activity to have family get togethers at Pops house for weekly dinners, birthdays, holidays, and trips to the beach.  Birthdays for each family member was always a special occasion.

Those who knew him agreed that he was a candid, forthright, sincere and truthful person.  You always knew where you stood with Bob.

During his professional life, he was very active in civic and professional organizations, such as The Knights of Columbus, The Consulting Engineers Council, The American Council of Engineering Societies, Rotary Club of Nashville, and The Society of Marketing Professional Services, where he won the national “best of show” award for small business marketing.

Funeral Mass will be at St Henry Catholic Church on Friday, June 7.  Visitation will be at 1:00 pm followed by the funeral at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Knights of Columbus - Council #12012, to help the ministries Bob loved and supported.

%St Henry Church, 5401 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205

or

to Proverbs 12:10 Animal rescue, P O Box 279, Burns, Tn 37029