Howard “Erskin” Beasley, 92, went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2026. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family, sharing laughter and watching football, two things he loved dearly.

Erskin was born on July 4, 1934, in Waxhaw, Mississippi, to William (Bill) and Dolly Beasley. He was the oldest of 11 children. At the age of 14, Erskin accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and faithfully followed Him for nearly 80 years.

Erskin graduated from Rosedale High School in 1952 and went on to play football at Sunflower Junior College and Mississippi Southern College, where he earned his teaching degree in 1955. In 1962, he earned an MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi.

After college, Erskin became a math teacher and coach. His deep love for football and people eventually led him into sporting goods sales. He worked at Hale & Jones before starting his own sporting goods business, Sportsline, Inc. After many successful years, he retired in 1994 at the age of 60.

Erskin loved God, his family, and his country, and he demonstrated that love through a life of service. He served nine years in the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged as a Specialist Six from Company B of the 106th Medical Battalion.

In 1955, Erskin married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Ernestine Braxton. They shared 60 years of marriage and raised three children: Mike, Stan, and Pam. After Ernestine’s passing, she remained a beloved and cherished part of Erskin’s life and family.

Later in life, Erskin married Myrna Hall, and they shared 10 years of marriage filled with love and companionship. One of Erskin’s greatest joys was his family. He prayed daily for each family member, entrusting them completely to the Lord.

In 1970, Erskin joined The Gideons International. Over the years, he served as Mississippi State President, Mississippi State Vice President, Area 1 IEC Representative, and International Chaplain. Through his work with the Gideons, Erskin traveled to more than 65 countries, sharing the Word of God.

Erskin loved telling stories about the places he had been, the things he had seen, and the people he had met. But his favorite story of all was the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout his life and ministry with the Gideons, he had the privilege of sharing the gospel with thousands of people.

Erskin was a devoted member of Crossgates Baptist Church for more than 45 years, where he served as a deacon and on several pastor search committees. He faithfully prayed for the church, its leaders, and its congregation. He believed in encouraging those who poured so much into others and had a special tradition of taking a group of Crossgates pastors to breakfast at Cracker Barrel several times a year.

Above all, the most important thing about Erskin Beasley was his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His favorite Bible passage was Romans 12:1–2. He did not simply believe these words; he lived them. His life was a living and holy sacrifice to the One who saved him and continually transformed him.

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Erskin was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ernestine Beasley; his later-life wife, Myrna Beasley; his parents, Bill and Dolly Beasley; his son, Mike Beasley; his grandson, Ryan Tyler; and five younger sisters and four younger brothers.

Erskin is survived by his son, Stan (Dana) Beasley; his daughter, Pam (Stacey) Tyler; his grandchildren, Melissa (Robert) Turner, Piper (Kevin) Luper, Andy (Amanda) Beasley, Hayden (Taylor) Beasley, Haley (BJ) Hard, and Chase Tyler; his great-grandchildren, Aniston, Ellis, Penelope, Alder, Ramsey, Henley, Eleanor, and Lillian; and his brother, Charlie Beasley.

Visitation will be held at Crossgates Baptist Church on October 5, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:15 a.m., followed by a celebration of life service at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Pearl, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Gideons International in Erskin’s memory.