Michael "Donut" Anthony Beals

Michael “Mike” “Donut” Anthony Beals, 63, of Matoaca, VA, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025. Born in Richmond, VA on April 12, 1961, he was the son of the late Henry Willard Beals, Sr. and Janet Kiblinger Beals. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Beals Cox, and his brother, Henry “Hank” Willard Beals, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Vachele Ridout Beals; three daughters, Lindsey Vachele Beals (Danny), Patricia Beals Hewitt and husband, Jake, and Hanna Marie Beals; beloved dog-son, Ryker; sisters, Cindi Gregory and husband, Gary and Vicki Young and husband, Donnie; mother-in-law, Alice Kuska Ridout; uncle, Jimmy Kuska; aunt, Betty Cartner; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members; special friends, Ricky and Vicki Martin, Brandon Parker, Lexa Ramkey and her daughter, Peyton, Chelsea Guy and her son, Sebastian, Kara Ellison, Dylan Acors and his daughter, Addison Acors, Ryan Hale, Lee Cheney, Briana Tilkey; and many other close friends.

Mike dedicated over 30 years of his life to maintaining golf courses across Virginia, serving in various roles, including Golf Course Superintendent, Operations Manager, and Golf Course Consultant. He was a key figure at Dogwood Trace Golf Course in Petersburg, where he was Golf Course Superintendent and Operations Manager. In addition to golf courses, he also maintained many grounds all over the city of Petersburg. His passion for golf extended beyond his career, as he loved playing the sport whenever he could. He was a proud member of the Matoaca Sportsman Club and the Virginia Golf Course Superintendent Association. Mike was a true jack of all trades—though, in his words, "the master of none." He had a knack for practical jokes, a love for grilling—especially on the smoker—and a deep devotion to his family and his beloved dog. An avid football fan, he played for Matoaca High School and rooted for the Vikings. Many knew him as "Santa Claus” at various different golf courses, a role he thoroughly enjoyed to do for the children during Christmas.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in East Matoaca Cemetery, South Chesterfield, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate