Rev Russell C. "Skip" Beal, Jr.

Reverend Russell C. “Skip” Beal, Jr., 80, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 8, 2026. Skip was born on August 22, 1945, in Portage, Indiana, to Russell C. Beal, Sr. and Margaret Gerhardt Beal. Raised in a close-knit community, he developed early on the character, work ethic, and quiet strength that would define his life.

From a young age, Skip discovered a deep passion for baseball. He spent much of his childhood on the fields of Portage Little League, where his pitching talent quickly became exceptional. He still holds the league record for the most shutouts pitched—a testament to his determination and skill. At just 16 years old, Skip’s abilities earned him a private tryout with the Chicago Cubs, an experience he treasured throughout his life.

In 1966, Skip was drafted into the United States Army and bravely served his country in the Vietnam War. During his deployment, he received a letter addressed simply to “Any Soldier” from a young woman named Brenda Kelsey. Through heartfelt letters exchanged across the world, their friendship blossomed into love. When Skip returned home, he and Brenda were married, beginning a lifelong partnership marked by devotion, faith, and grace.

Following God’s call to ministry, Skip enrolled at Criswell College in Dallas, Texas, and in 1980 proudly graduated as part of the first graduating class in the school’s history. After graduation, he became pastor of First Baptist Church in Rockville, Indiana, where he lovingly served until 1989. That year, he was called to Grace Baptist Church in Indianapolis, where he joyfully ministered, preached, and taught the love of Christ for 20 years. From 1996 to 2008, he also faithfully served as a Trustee of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

After retiring in 2009, Skip and Brenda returned to Texas to be closer to her family. They became devoted members of Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Bette, Texas, where Skip continued to serve through prayer, encouragement, and the sharing of God’s Word.

Skip’s greatest earthly treasures were his family, studying God’s Word, baseball, and fishing. Whether he was preaching a sermon, casting a line in the water, or cheering for his favorite team, he lived each day with gratitude and joy. His humility, warmth, and steadfast love reflected Christ in all he did.

Skip is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Kelsey Beal; his son David (Julie) Beal of Claremore, Oklahoma; his daughter Susanne (Leslie) Whitney of Woodstock, Georgia; and his son Rusty (Angie) Beal of Ball Ground, Georgia. He is also cherished by his grandchildren Christopher (Evangeline) Beal, Kaitlyn (Rod) Anderson, Luke (Sydney) Whitney, Liliana Beal, Hensley Beal, and Brody Whitney. He was joyfully awaiting the arrival of his first great-grandson, expected this summer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell C. Beal, Sr. and Margaret Gerhardt Beal, and his sister, Linda Beal.

Reverend Skip Beal lived a life marked by faithfulness—to God, to his family, and to every church and community he served. His legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion will continue shining through all who knew him.

Services for Reverend Russell C. “Skip” Beal, Jr. will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore with Rev. Billy Byrd officiating. Burial will follow at Kilgore City Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Thursday, one hour prior to service.