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Official Obituary of

William Hyman Beyer

March 8, 1930 ~ March 18, 2024 (age 94) 94 Years Old

William Beyer Obituary

Dr. William H. (Bill) Beyer, Ph.D.
Dr. William H. Beyer, 94, passed away peacefully after lengthy illness on Sunday, March 18, 2024 in Akron, Ohio.
Bill was born on March 8, 1930, in Akron, Ohio, and was the only child of the late Freda and Jack Beyer. He attended Crouse Elementary school and West High school, as well as the University of Akron, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Math, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute, graduating with a Master of Science and PhD in Statistics.
During the 1950’s, Bill was employed at Goodyear Aerospace (Statistician-Missile Reliability), at General Tire (Corporate Staff Statistician), and at The University of Akron (part-time faculty member). Over the years, he also served as a Statistical Consultant for area industries, hospitals, and schools.
Missing being in the classroom, Dr. Beyer embarked upon a successful accomplished career in college teaching and administration for over 40 years, initially returning to Virginia Tech for three years as an Assistant Professor of Math. He returned to Akron, Ohio, and had great success working for the University of Akron from 1961 until his retirement in 1998, serving as a Professor of Math Sciences for two years and then promoted to Department Head of Math Sciences in 1969, serving in that role for 21 years. Bill left the department in 1990 to become Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, leaving that position in 1993 to become Associate VP of Academic Support, then promoted to Associate VP, Business & Finance, and serving as Interim VP, Business & Finance for a short period until his retirement in 1998. He was awarded the distinguished honor of Professor Emeritus in 1998. Under his 21 years of leadership as department head, the academic offerings grew from undergraduate and graduate degree programs in mathematics, to undergraduate and graduate degree programs in mathematics, applied mathematics, computer science, and statistics. He touched the lives of many students, faculty, and colleagues and received numerous awards throughout his career.
Dr. Beyer was extremely well-regarded in professional services and dedicated much time to the Math Association of America, serving as the Ohio Section-Chairman elect, Chairman, and National Board of Governors, as well as the American Statistical Association, serving on the Review Committee for degrees of major US Statistical programs. He served as Editor of the CRC Press Publications used by students and scientists worldwide, including the Standard Math Tables (24th -29th editions), Handbook of Mathematical Sciences (5th and 6th editions), author and editor of the Handbook of Tables for Probability and Statistics (1st and 2nd editions), and Standard Probability and Statistics Tables and Formulae. He co-authored a text with Dr. Sam Selby entitled “Understanding College Algebra.” He also co-authored, with Dr. James L. Berk, M.D., articles in medical journals. He was a member of Sigma Xi, Phi Kappa Pi, Pi Mu Epsilon, and Omicron Delta Kappa.
Bill could often be found on the basketball court at the Akron Jewish Center and on the tennis courts throughout Ohio. A natural at the game, along with hard work and dedication, Bill won numerous tennis trophies in his early years. He was Akron junior champ (singles and doubles) for five years in a row, runner-up (singles and doubles) state high school championship, participant in the U.S. Junior Tennis Championship, and a member of the national junior Davis Cup Team. Due to his love of the game, he was captain of the West High tennis team and captain of the men’s varsity tennis team at the University of Akron, and later become the university’s men’s varsity tennis coach. He was inducted into the Akron Jewish Center Hall of Fame for Tennis. Later in life, he enjoyed the game of golf, playing on numerous courses across the United States. He attended numerous University of Akron football and basketball games with his family over the years.
Bill married Delores Stallings on September 6, 1959, beginning years of romance, travel, adventure, and raising a family. He was a devoted husband and father, and a generous giver of his time to others, sharing knowledge, advice and providing direction. After retiring, Bill and Dee traveled across the United States twice, stopping along the way to connect and reminisce with family and friends. He enjoyed reading fiction books, watching movies and sports, going to plays, working around the house, connecting with friends on email, and most importantly guiding, watching and participating in his children’s personal and professional successes, and spending time with his grandchildren and the family dogs. He had many outstanding qualities and traits as a son, husband, father, grandfather, friend and colleague and was often described as a critical thinker, teacher and mentor, gentleman, man of honor, kind, and humble, all with a wonderful sense of humor!
Due to his long and outstanding service to the university and many years as a donor, Bill and Delores and the family established and funded the Dr. William H. Beyer Statistics scholarship and in 2015, the Dr. William H. Beyer Statistics Conference Room in the College of Arts & Sciences was named in his honor. Additionally, Bill and Dee established and funded two additional scholarships at The University of Akron, the William and Delores Beyer Veteran’s in Math Scholarship and the Kimberly A. and Delores Beyer Education Scholarship for Students with Disabilities. He was an active member of the University of Akron Retirees Association (AUAR) and was also an active member Beth El Congregation, serving on several committees, and served as Chairman Elect and Chairman of the Board.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Freda Beyer and two uncles, Abe and Hy. He preceeded in death his loving wife of 64 1/2 years, Delores (Dee), by a matter of hours. This is the indication of the great love, relationship, and the bond they shared. He is survived by his son, Brent Randall (Ashley); son, Charles Kevin (Kim), and daughter, Kimberly; three grandchildren, Riley, Cara, and Ava.
Per Bill’s wishes, graveside services and interment only have been planned at Rose Hill Burial Park, 3653 W. Market St., Akron, Ohio on Sunday, March 24, at 1:00pm with a small gathering at Beth El Congregation immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations/contributions may be made to: William H. Beyer Statistics Scholarship, Department of Development, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-2603.
The family is grateful to Odessa, Dottie, Melinda at WellBe, and the 8th floor nurses and doctors at Akron General Cleveland Clinic for their care and kindness during Bill’s final days.




























































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