Eugene Riddick Beverly

Mr. Eugene Beverly, age 90, went home to be with the Lord on April 28th, 2025. Born June 9th, 1934, in Walterboro, South Carolina, Mr. Beverly was a resident of Galveston County since 1965. He entered the Merchant Marines at the age of 17 and was a member of the Seafarers International Union, working and serving as an AB, 1st Mate, then Bosun until he retired. He traveled the world several times over, primarily on oil tankers carrying crude oil. He navigated up and down the Panama Canal, then all the way up to Greenland, including Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Japan, New Finland, New Zealand, and the list goes on. In 1975, he was commissioned by the Navy to assist in an operation to bring fuel and supplies to Antarctica at McMurdo Station research lab via an icebreaker ship, in which he was honored. He was also a crew member and survivor on a supertanker that exploded in the Houston Ship Channel in 1993. He stayed onboard to look for any other crew members, risking his life to ensure the safety of his crewmates. In 1995, he had to retire due to health challenges.

In 1962, while on leave in Galveston, he met a beautiful young woman named Jean Harrell (Beverly) and made the best decision of his life by marrying her. She was a superhero and loving wife who raised 3 daughters, one with special needs. She held the fort down while Eugene was away on the high seas.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Noah and Mary “Mamie” (Nettles) Beverly; his wife, Jean (Harrell) Beverly; daughter, Debbie Beverly; and grandson, Samuel Durham. A brother, Vonlehe Beverly; and two sisters, Louise (Beverly) Crosby and MaryAnn (Beverly) Whitehurst.

Survivors include his daughters, Rebecca (Beverly) Durham and Elizabeth (Beverly) Betterton; grandchildren, Anna Monroe, Audrey Durham, and Sara Betterton; nephews, Joseph Michael Herrington (Sherrie), Donnie Herrington, and Steve Herrington (Crystal); nieces, Linda (Crosby) Murdaugh and Kathy (Crosby) Pool; and five great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their gratitude, love, and appreciation for the help and care provided by home health, NP Skye, Chris, Nicole, Erica, Beatrice, the vascular team of Dr. Cheema and Nurse Rachel. A special thanks to a precious helper to Dad, Sylvia. Following cremation, per Eugene's wishes, his ashes will be scattered at sea, returning him to the place he loved and was most at home.

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