Emmitt Beatty Jr.

Emmitt Douglas Beatty Jr., a man with American Indian roots, was born on May 21, 1928, in Lexington, Kentucky to Emmitt Beatty and Hazel Edwards. He was the oldest of three siblings: Francis Carter and Earliest Brown (both who preceded him in death). 

After junior-high, Emmitt was hard-pressed to leave home to pursue a job to help his parents support the family. At the age of 14, while staying with his aunt Nania in New York City, he started his first job training and exercising racehorses for wealthy horse owners. After mastering his skills as a horseman, he decided to move to Chicago, Illinois for better paying jobs in the automotive diesel industry. He fathered one child, then met and married his beautiful first wife, Florence Donald, and to this union seven children were born. Early in his marriage, he was employed at Greyhound Bus Company as a mechanical assistant. He then attended night school to complete his education. Two years later, Emmitt landed his dream job at Consolidated Freightways, as a diesel mechanical engineer. The company funded his continued education in diesel engineering, where he excelled in his studies and job skills. Thereafter, he was promoted to diesel mechanical engineer supervisor and retired after 40 years of service.

After the passing of his devoted first wife of 42 years (Florence Beatty) and retirement, Emmitt met and married his lovely wife Andelaine Hankins of 30 years.

Emmitt, affectionately known by many as GRANDDADDY, gave his mechanical skills back to the Lord via his service as maintenance engineering lead for St. John Church, Reed's Temple Church, and Fernwood United Methodist Church. He also provided free mechanical services for his church family, relatives, and friends. During his lifetime, many families in need greatly benefited from his generous financial support.

Emmitt enjoyed cooking his world-class chili, which he won many taste awards and received high demand from consumers to bring his product to market. He passed down his recipe to daughter Deitrah and son Darren Donovan. He loved and enjoyed so many aspects of life, such as Sunday School studies with the men at his neighbor’s church, spending time at the horse barn, fishing, sitting in his garage to repair anything, watching western cowboy movies, boxing and basketball games, dining at various restaurants, shopping at home improvement stores, sitting on his front porch while laughing and joking with family and friends.

Emmitt Douglas Beatty Jr. was the patriarch of both his immediate Chicago family and extended Kentucky family. A loyal supporter to all, one who cared much for the education, well-being and closeness of his “kin folk”, and was a good example of a man. He will be remembered as Daddy, Pops, Papa, Granddaddy, Big-Granddaddy, and Uncle. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He leaves to cherish his memory: loving wife Andelaine; eight children: Janice Elaine (David), Derrick Douglas (Vanessa), Debra Diane, Dale Doreen (who proceeded him in death), Donna Daneen, Devin David (Giselle), Darren Donovan (Pamela), Deitrah Doresa (Mark). Bonus daughter: Chereka (Terrell), Bonus son: Bakari (who preceded him in death). 17 Grandchildren: Percy, Antoine, Terrence, Demond, Raquita, Raquel, Doreen, Marcellus, Devin, Daijon, Desmond, Breynka, Darren, Diamond, Christina, Mark Jr., Montiere. Bonus grandkids: Donchavel, and Dyneshia. 30 Great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson. Godsons: Laconia Johnson (L.C.), and Tyrone Adams. Also, a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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