On Sunday, November 22, 2015, Pastor Al Bean fell asleep and passed from this earth into life eternal with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Albert (Al) Bean was born in Newton, Massachusetts on September 27, 1930 to Malcolm Russell Bean and Lillian Knight Bean. As the second of thirteen children, Alby, as he was affectionately referred to, was admired amongst his siblings. As a young boy, on July 7th, 1940, Al made the most important earthly decision of his life, when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. This was the beginning of a lifelong commitment to serving the Lord and doing His will.

Before graduating from Bob Jones University, Al was called by the Lord to become a minister of the Gospel. Throughout his lifetime, he pastored several churches within the area to include: The Cool Spring Mission in Fayetteville, N.C.; Antioch Baptist Church in Falcon, N.C.; Bethel Baptist Church in Anderson Creek, N.C.; Berean Baptist Church in Fayetteville, N.C.; and Ebenezer Bible Church in Fayetteville, N.C. As an Under-Shepherd of the Lord, Al was an expositor of the Word. He believed in evangelism and supported missions throughout the world for the spread of the Gospel.

Al married Joanne Britt Bean on July 19, 1953. He was a devoted husband to her for 62 years. They faithfully ministered together in the greater Fayetteville area, during their lifetime journey as one. As a father of six children, Al diligently sought to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. What an eternal legacy he left for his loved ones, who will sorely miss him and his wise counsel!

Al was a true patriot! He loved his country and served in the 82nd Airborne Division. Throughout his ministry, Al discipled many military personnel and their families, counting it a privilege to invest in the lives of these soldiers, realizing they would be ambassadors for Christ around the world.

As a seventh grade teacher at Massey Hill Schools from 1954-1967, he was an excellent educator with a heart for his students to learn, imparting knowledge to them, while desiring to point them to the true source of wisdom and knowledge, which is the Lord. He had an eternal impact, as many of his students would attest.

Two of Als lifetime verses were Proverbs 3: 5 and 6- Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Al is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joanne Britt Bean of Fayetteville, N.C. Additionally, surviving children are Mrs. Betsy Fitzgerald of Fayetteville N.C.; Mr. Sammy Bean and wife Suzy of Winston-Salem, N.C.; Mrs. Lindy Fisher and husband, Jeff of Lexington, N.C.; Mr. Bill Bean of King, N.C.; Ms. Nancy Jewell of King, N.C.; Mrs. Mary Rogers-Rockey and husband, Steven of Fayetteville, N.C.; Roy Rogers of Fayetteville, N.C.; Mrs. Marty Miliziano and husband, Lando of Cypress, Texas.

Grandchildren: the late Sammy Fisher of Lexington, N.C.; Hannah Anderson of Winston-Salem, N.C.; Joanne Rogers of Fayetteville, N.C.; Joshua Fisher and wife, Michelle of Lexington, N.C.; Amber Bean of King, N.C.; Tony Miliziano of Cypress, Texas; Albert Miliziano of Cypress, Texas; Molly Rogers of Raleigh, N.C.; Allison Bean of Greensboro, N.C.; Anna Stachowiak and husband Travis of Houston, Texas; Michael Miliziano of Cypress, Texas, Lisa Miliziano of Cypress, Texas; Jennifer Rogers of Fayetteville, N.C.; Abby Fisher of Lexington, N.C.; Rose Miliziano of Cypress, Texas, Joseph Miliziano of Cypress, Texas; and Jacob Miliziano of Cypress, Texas. Great-grandchildren: Brandon Peterson, Jeremiah Gaines and Nicole Anderson of Winston-Salem, N.C.

Siblings: George Bean of Cleveland, Georgia; Mary Bean Riccucci of Torrington, Conn; Joyce Bean Leeman of Monrovia, Calif; Bradford Bean of New Paltz, New York; Grace Bean Cass of Corona, Calif.; Robert Bean of Grants Pass, Oregon; and Donald Bean of Charlotte, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Gideons International (www.gideons.org) for the spread of the Gospel around the world.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 27th from 7 pm to 9 pm at Jernigan Warren Funeral Home in Fayetteville, N.C. Funeral services will be held at the Jernigan Warren Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, November 28th at 1 pm with the Rev. Willie Overton officiating. Graveside services to follow at the McFayden Family Cemetery.