AUSTIN, Texas — Roger K. Beasley, the founder of the Roger Beasley Auto Group and a longtime supporter of the University of Texas at Austin, has died at age 87.
According to a statement from his family, Beasley died peacefully at his Austin home on Aug. 28, surrounded by family.
Beasley began his career in consumer finance and mortgage banking after earning a business administration degree from UT Austin. In 1972, he opened his first automotive dealership with three employees, eventually growing the business into the Roger Beasley Auto Group.
The organization expanded to include 13 franchises, 11 dealerships and more than 600 employees, according to the family statement.
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Beasley was recognized by Ford Motor Company in 2001 as one of its Top 100 Dealers Worldwide. He also served as vice president of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association, sat on JPMorgan Chase’s board of directors and served on dealer advisory councils for American Motors, Mazda and Saab.
Outside the auto industry, Beasley was a longtime supporter of UT Austin and its athletics programs. His family said he provided vehicles to UT Athletics for more than four decades and supported Longhorn student-athletes.
Beasley, a Life Member of the Texas Exes, established the Alma Beatrice and Finley Floyd Beasley Endowed Scholarship for Llano High School graduates in honor of his parents. In 2024, he and his family created the Tamra Kay Beasley Endowed Nursing Scholarship at the UT School of Nursing in memory of his daughter.
His family said Beasley also supported numerous civic and charitable causes throughout Central Texas.
Beasley was preceded in death by his daughter, Tamra Kay Beasley. He is survived by his wife, Karen Pospisil; grandchildren Carson and Kaylee Bashaw and Avery and Keith Bon; and great-granddaughters Iris Bashaw and Finley Bon.
Roger Beasley Auto Group is an advertiser with CBS Austin from time to time.