Joe Francis Beene, a devoted family man, distinguished professional, and cherished community member, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, at age 88, in Williamsburg, Virginia

Born on September 8, 1937, in Nashville, Tennessee, Joe was the beloved son of the late Mildred Lamb Beene and John Francis Beene. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Dianne Beene Luker.

He proudly served his country by joining the Navy at age 18, completing 3 years of active duty followed by 28 years in the Naval Reserves, and retired as a Commander.

Joe’s academic achievements were notable. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree and a Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee as well as a Master’s Degree in Personnel Management from George Washington University.

His professional career was also distinguished. Joe served as a special agent with the Naval Investigative Service (now known as the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, or NCIS) for 25 years, where he was known for his dedication and integrity. During the last 5 years of his career, he served as NCIS Special Assistant for Legislative & Judicial Affairs (General Counsel). Following his retirement from NCIS, he continued to share his knowledge and passion for the law by teaching Criminal Justice for 20 years at Northern Virginia Community College, eventually becoming the program head of the Administration Of Justice department.

Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Joe was a man of wide-ranging interests. He enjoyed whitewater canoeing, crafting stained glass Tiffany-reproduction lamps, and was an avid gardener and beekeeper, and certified Master Naturalist. As a Scout Master, he was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver for his exceptional service to Scouting. Joe also found joy in baking bread and desserts, and in sharing his creations with friends.

A man of faith and community, Joe was an active member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, the Historic Rivers Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists, the Capital Club of Williamsburg, and the St. Andrew’s Society of Williamsburg.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Beene; his son, Jeffrey Beene and wife Kathryn Arbeit; his daughter, Beth Shapiro and husband Mike Torrey; and his cherished grandchildren, Zoe Shapiro Torrey and Eli Shapiro Torrey. He is also remembered fondly by his many extended family members and dear friends.

A memorial service to honor Joe’s life will be held on March 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Williamsburg Landing, 5700 Williamsburg Landing Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in memory of Joe to the Virginia Master Naturalists organization, a non-profit devoted to the protection and preservation of natural habitats in Virginia: https://www.virginiamasternaturalist.org/give/