John Smith Prather Beeland

John Smith Prather Beeland, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026 in a local hospital. 

John was born April 6, 1961, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to The Reverend Robert A. Beeland, III, and Jane Lowery Beeland of Greenville, Alabama.  He grew up in Atlanta, and then in Rome, Georgia, where he attended Darlington School, running cross country and track, setting regional and state records, and graduating summa cum laude. He then attended The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, where he was a Wilkins Scholar and a member of the Order of Gownsmen, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the track and cross-country teams, the Red Ribbon Society, Wellingtons, the Student Assembly, and the Honor Council. He graduated cum laude in 1983.

After graduation, John moved to Atlanta and worked at Trust Company Bank. He received a Master of Business Administration degree from Georgia State University and then began a life-long career in commercial real estate. His chief delights were his son Robert, his family and friends, watching sports (especially the Alabama Crimson Tide), fishing, movies, music, and making the very best cheese straws.

John is succeeded by his son Robert Prather Beeland, his sisters Frances Beeland Givhan (Walter Givhan) and Caroline Verdery Beeland (John Moore), and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He often spoke of his gratitude for the grace, kindness, and love shown him throughout his life, and he would want us to say thank you to you all.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Pike Road, Alabama on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Grace Episcopal Church.

As we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time, we would also like to express our utmost gratitude to you for entrusting us with your loved one. Magnolia Cremations & Funeral Services.

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