Edward Ezra "Nudie" Beal was born to the late Priscilla Jones Beal and the late Lige Beal, Sr. on October 16, 1916 and departed this life on Wednesday July 15, 2010; he was 93. Nudie was the fifth of nine children. His older sisters and brothers were Hattie Mae, Freddie (Buddy), Lige, Jr (Candy), and Virginia (Sister). Nudie's younger siblings were Johnny (Ditty), James (Othor), Willie (Alvin) and Josie Mae. After the death of Priscilla in 1935, Lige, Sr. married Mamie, who became the beloved step-mother to Nudie and his brothers and sisters and helped raise them.
Nudie Beal was educated in Bogalusa Schools and attended Central Memorial High School where he excelled in athletics, both in baseball and football. Later, Nudie played with the Bogalusa Tigers baseball team. He was an avid sports fan for his entire life.
In November of 1942, Mr. Beal was inducted into the army. He fought in Germany during World War II and served until 1945.
In February of 1955 Nudie married Rosa Lee McShan. Together, Mr. Beal and Rosa Lee, operated Nudie's Cafe' in Bogalusa for 35 years until Rose's death in 1995. Nudie and Rose were members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He served on the Trustee Board and was an active member of the "Brotherhood" until his death. Being an army veteran, Mr. Beal was also a member of Coney-Flowers American Legion Post 547. Besides his love of sports, Nudie enjoyed fishing, music and travel.
In addition to his parents, stepmother, and wife, Mr. Beal is preceded in death by two of his sisters, Hattie Mae Beal Flowers and Virginia Beal Matthews, along with his five brothers, Freddie, Lige, Jr., Johnny, James and Willie. He was also preceded in death by his grandson Byron Jackson.
Mr. Beal is survived by two daughters, Angel Beal of Baton Rouge, LA, and Mrs. Katherine (Walter) Crosley of Leanders, TX. He also survived by his sister, Mrs. Josie M. Beal Pierce of Detroit, MI. Other survivors include his grandchildren: Windolyn (McHenry) Morris, Warren (Bertha) Jackson, Sr., Warren (Mary) Crosley, Wendell (Yolanda) Crosley, and Wilfred, Anita and Ava Crosley. He also has eight great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. In addition, Mr. Beal is survived by a devoted niece Josie Beal of Bogalusa, LA and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.