ASHLAND—Bernard Wallace Beauchamp, Wally to most, was born in the Northern Neck on the family farm to school-teacher Mom Laura Beauchamp and farmer Dad, Slater Bernard Beauchamp, on June 13, 1938.
Forties farm life instilled in Wally a deep and abiding love for the land and waterways that sustained his family and community. He never lost the sense of freedom and joy he first felt fishing in his small wooden skiff as a boy and always shared the healthy sense of humor he inherited from his Dad.
Wally attended Northumberland County schools and the University of Richmond, pitching college baseball games and honing his skills with the Rifle Club. In 1963, he co-founded BMG Metals Inc. serving as executive vice president for 25 years until selling his interest. As an active volunteer, Wally also devoted time to Virginia Area March of Dimes, Metro Richmond Chamber of Commerce and Virginia Capital Area American Red Cross and multiple Fisheries Advisory Groups. Wally also held a lifelong membership in the Virginia Anglers Club, and served as Committee Member and Virginia Representative, International Game Fish Association (IGFA) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for more than 30 years.
Wally and his wife Susan, and their handsome lab pups, resided on Moran Creek off the Corrotoman River for over 30 years. Together they enjoyed working as a realtor team, helping their clients discover the rich history, beauty and bounty of the “land of pleasant living.” Wally also served on the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors for 20 years, much of that time as emergency services director.
He relished all his years in the Northern Neck, happy seeing his now grown grandchildren share his love of the land and water; the friendships made, his work family, his boat(s) and fishing buddies, his beloved labs, Coach and Bess, and constant companion Wilhe Cat. Whether fishing or pleasure cruising, being on the water was his happiest place. When it was time to move closer to family, Ashland became the family hub, much to his delight.
Wally, a treasured husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed at his home on August 25, 2026, with family by his side. He is survived by his wife, Susan S. Beauchamp; daughter, Amy Beauchamp Scherer and her husband, Ed, and grandsons, Ted and Tyson. He is also survived by Susan’s children, Kate Lawton (Joel Street), G. Cabell Lawton (Cristi) and grandchildren, Rheisen, Casey and Maren. We are grateful he’s now in a peaceful place and miss him all the same. Honoring his wishes, there will be no formal service. Instead, his family with gather at a later date to celebrate the life he lived.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Suncrest Hospice, especially Amanda and NiNi, for their extraordinary care and also to the Cremation Society of Virginia.
If desired, memorials may be made to Chesapeake Bay Foundation, http://www.cbf.org, 1108 East Main Street, Richmond, VA, 23219.
