Mitchell "Mitch" Lee BeShears

On September 1, 2023, Mitchell Lee BeShears, 64, of Cullman, Alabama passed away at UAB Hospital surrounded by family and friends, including his daughter Candy Byrd Miller and his best friend Craig Jackson. Mitch was a Christian, a devoted husband, a supportive father, a loyal friend, a wonderful PawPaw, a hard worker, and a sports lover, who loved the Atlanta Braves, Alabama football, and playing and officiating various sports, including softball and basketball. Mitch grew up in Alabama, attending Tarrant High School. Soon after graduating, he worked at American Cast Iron Pipe Company, where he worked for forty-one years. Birmingham is where he met the love of his life, Shirley. They fell in love on the dance floor and knew they wanted to be together forever. A devoted husband Mitch loved, honored, and cherished Shirley in sickness and health. He was by her side throughout her struggle with aplastic anemia and cancer and was the epitome of loyalty, love, and devotion—everything a husband should be. When Mitch married Shirley in 1981, he gained a daughter, Candy Byrd Miller, whom he loved as much as any father could love a daughter. They moved to Cullman where they were involved in the community. Mitch was at any event where Candy or Shirley needed him, which involved a lot of baton competitions and halftime shows. He let them stand in the spotlight while he carried props and did the things behind the scenes that made things easier for them. He did small things with great love. When he was not at one of Candy’s or Shirley’s events on the weekends, Mitch loved watching the Atlanta Braves or Alabama football, fishing, and spending time with his best friend, Craig Jackson, whom Mitch considered a brother. They laughed and cherished good times together and were there for each other through some of the most challenging times a man can face in his life. No brothers could have been closer. One of the best things to happen in Mitch’s life was the birth of Candy’s son, Grant Roland. Nothing made Mitch happier than being with Grant and watching him grow into the wonderful young man he has become. Just a few weeks ago, Mitch got to relive his twenties when he went to Iowa to spend time with Grant and be one of the boys. Mitch did not take anything in life for granted. In the last several months, he had been enjoying being a behind-the-scenes member of Brez, a local band.He helped haul equipment and provided security at their gigs around the state. The band was a source of fun, friendship, and adventure. Always a giving man, Mitch’s generosity will be a legacy he leaves many through organ donation, which will benefit over 100 recipients. He is still helping people. Mitch had many friends and was a well-loved member of the community in Cullman, Alabama. He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ruth BeShears, his brothers-in-law, Dwight Johns and Donald Faulkner, his sisters-in-law Annette Brooks and Carol Striker, and his beloved wife Shirley, who is surely holding him in her arms on a Heavenly dance floor because even death will not part them. He is survived by his daughter, Candy Miller (Jason); his grandson, Grant Roland; his best friend, Craig Jackson; his son-in-law, Jason Miller; his sister-in-law, Doris Faulkner; his brother, Mike BeShears; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, who are all better for having known him and will miss him very much. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 3:00 p.m. at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 1:00. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating in memory of Mitch BeShears to the UAB Music Therapy Program at giving.UAB.edu.

Mitchell "Mitch" Lee BeShears

May 23, 1959 - September 1, 2023