Jerry "Dick" R. Bevill

Jerry Richard Bevill, called Dick by all who knew him, passed away on the evening of Sunday, July 17th from complications related to a fall. He was 82 years old. It was unexpected, and peaceful, and he was surrounded by loved ones. In recent months he had laid plans for adventurous travel to visit family in Tennessee and was enjoying a lightness of spirit. 

He is survived by his beloved brother Robert Lynn Bevill of Fayetteville, TN, and Bob’s children Robert Bevill, Lanie Bevill and Scott Bevill and their families - as well as his dear daughters Jenny Bevill and Amanda Bevill of Whitefish, MT, Amanda's husband James Peterson, and his grandchildren- Max McFarland, Lily Giles and Theo Giles.

Born in 1940, at home in a rural cabin, to Frances Carter and Robert Bevill, Dick lived his entire youth in his hometown of Fayetteville, TN. From an early age, he was a hard worker and an avid outdoorsman. Raised on a farm, he never knew a day without chores, and grew up hunting quail and fishing bass in the forests and rivers of Tennessee. 

As a young man, Dick played football, winning a state championship in high school followed by a scholarship to play for Auburn University. He married his high school sweetheart, Bobbie Kaye Lewis and became a dad at the young age of 22. He moved home and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University a few years later with an economics degree.

Dick began his successful career right out of college working in mortgage brokerage. He went on to form many profitable partnerships and businesses in real estate development, building the first condominium in the state of Alabama in the early 1970’s. Throughout his career, Dick’s ability to anticipate problems and see around corners made him a valuable business partner and a successful entrepreneur. By the age of 50, Dick was ready to “retire,” and landed, through a series of happy accidents, in Whitefish, MT. 

He never stopped working. As Whitefish became his new home, he lived first over a storefront on Central Ave and later in an old A frame house on East Lakeshore Drive. In 1994 he began putting together the pieces of what became Walking Lightly Ranch, a special place that has been a haven for many over the years. Always a spiritual seeker, the last half of Dick’s life was dedicated to his continual search for new ways to live a meaningful life. This was his true passion, and he lived it both as a student of the world, forever curious, and as a great mentor to all those he cared for. Whether he turned his attention to the land and animals, family and community, or health and well-being, it was always with purpose and loving intention. He is survived by a large chosen family of friends and loved ones.

There will be two celebrations of life for Dick. Folks are welcome to attend in person at Walking Lightly Ranch on Saturday, August 20th.

5-6 Yoga with Jodi Petlin
6-7 Food, drink, and visiting
7-8:30 Music and sharing

Plan to come for all or part. We love dogs but we are grateful if you can please leave yours at home for this event.

Masks are optional and events will be outdoors or in the yoga studio with the windows open. 

Please note: there will be a virtual celebration for anyone not able to attend in person.

Plan to come for all or part. Email jennybevy@gmail.com if you need directions.

Virtual celebration via zoom on Saturday, August 27th from 11-12 MST

Topic: Celebration of Life for Dick Bevill
Time: Aug 27, 2022 11:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76019055078?pwd=GUzG3Aj4HXsfjCOVR3X-hsKvE-ruBT.1

Meeting ID: 760 1905 5078
Passcode: bBeXK0
Everyone is invited to share stories and photos on this page, or at either of the celebrations.
 

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jerry "Dick" R. Bevill, please visit our Tree Store.