Jackie Donald Bevis, age 90, of Tuscumbia, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. He was surrounded by loving family before leaving this world to be reunited with his late wife, Betty Jo Johnson Bevis. Jackie’s family will receive friends on Monday, October 6, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home Tuscumbia. His funeral service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 1:00 p.m. followed by a graveside farewell at Oakwood Cemetery, Tuscumbia.
If you asked anyone who knew him, they’d all say the same thing: Jackie was one of the kindest, most genuine people they ever met. He never met a stranger. Everywhere he went, he made new friends and brightened the room. He always chose to see the good in people and in life. One of the songs he liked to sing was “Keep on the Sunny Side,” and that’s exactly how he lived—always on the sunny side.
Jackie’s life was filled with service, love and music. He was faithful member of Hook Street Baptist, where he served as a deacon for 38 years and as choir director for many of those. He served eight years with the US Navel Reserve and as Lieutenant of the Tuscumbia Fire Department, then as a machinist for the TVA Colbert Steam Plant before retiring after 25 years. He helped build nearly 30 Habitat for Humanity homes and gave blood so frequently that he was often called in at times of urgent need. In 2002, he received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from the President of the United States. He learned to play the mandolin at just 6 years old before picking up the guitar. Over the years, he played in countless bands, making music a lifelong passion and joy, even in his final weeks of life in which he played music publicly and at home with his two children, Farron and Valissa.
But Jackie’s greatest joy was his family and friends. He loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his dog with his whole heart. He loved his friends the same way, and he even loved strangers. He didn’t just talk about being a Christian—he lived it. He had no hate in his heart. If he disagreed with you, he still loved you. His life was a true example of how we should all live: loving one another without conditions.
Jackie was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jo Johnson Bevis; son, Lance Bevis; and sister, Shirley Bevis Behel. He is survived by his son, Farron Joe Bevis (Jo Ann), daughter Valissa Bevis Burnham (Dan), five grandchildren: Kristy Bevis (Ben Tanner), Jessica Peebles Mandrell (Mark), Alex Peebles, Wesley Peebles and John Burnham (Ayla); and nine great-grandchildren: Louise Tanner, Dylan Blake, Briley Blake, Maci Mandrell, Addie Peebles, Oliver Peebles, Rylee Burnham, Benny Burnham and Aylee Mendoza. Pallbearers are Trey Behel, Trey Davis, Tommy James, Kris Johnson, Jerry McDaniel, Don Newton and Terry Richardson. Honorary pallbearers are Lawrence Alexander, Susan McDaniel, Kenneth Warrington and Bill Wooten.
