Roger Beasley Cause of Death: Austin Auto Dealer and Mazda Pioneer Dies Peacefully at 87
The Austin, Texas, community is mourning the death of Roger Kay Beasley, the pioneering automobile dealer, entrepreneur and founder of the Roger Beasley Auto Group, who passed away peacefully at his Austin home on Friday, August 28, 2026. He was 87 years old.
For decades, Beasley’s name was closely associated with the Austin automotive industry. What began in 1972 as a single dealership with three employees eventually grew into a major Central Texas automotive organization with multiple franchises and dealerships.
Roger Beasley Dies at 87
Roger K. Beasley was born on November 13, 1938, and built a remarkable career through determination, business leadership and a strong commitment to treating customers and employees with honesty and respect.
His official obituary states that he died peacefully at home in Austin on August 28, surrounded by family.
The news has prompted an outpouring of remembrance from people connected to Austin’s automotive industry and the many organizations Beasley supported throughout his life.
Founder of Roger Beasley Auto Group
Beasley established what became the Roger Beasley Auto Group in 1972, beginning with a single franchise and only three employees.
Over the following four decades, he expanded the business into one of Texas’ prominent automotive organizations, eventually growing to 13 franchises and 11 dealerships employing more than 600 people, according to his obituary.
His dealerships became known for customer satisfaction, strong management and operational performance.
Beasley’s reputation within the automotive industry also earned him significant recognition. In 2001, Ford Motor Company named him among its Top 100 Dealers Worldwide.
Connection to Mazda
Beasley’s influence extended across several automobile manufacturers, including Mazda.
He served on dealer advisory councils for American Motors, Mazda and Saab and became a respected voice within the automotive industry.
The Roger Beasley Mazda dealerships also became a familiar part of the Central Texas automotive landscape.
For many Austin residents, the Beasley name became synonymous with automobile sales and service.
More Than an Auto Dealer
While Roger’s professional accomplishments were extensive, his legacy extended well beyond the dealership business.
He served as vice president of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association, sat on the board of directors of JPMorgan Chase and participated in industry advisory councils.
He was also deeply involved in supporting The University of Texas at Austin, an institution that held a special place in his life.
A proud Longhorn, Beasley supported UT Athletics for decades and provided vehicles to the athletic program. He also established an endowed scholarship in honour of his parents and, with his family, later established another scholarship at the UT School of Nursing in memory of his daughter, Tamra Kay Beasley.
A Life of Philanthropy
Beasley was remembered not only for building a successful company but also for giving back to the Central Texas community.
His obituary notes that he quietly supported numerous civic and charitable organizations and preferred to allow the impact of his generosity to speak for itself.
He also placed significant value on the people who worked for him.
Many employees remained with the Roger Beasley organization for years, becoming part of what he regarded as an extended family.
Remembering Roger Beasley
Away from business, Beasley enjoyed an active life. His interests included running, skiing, horse racing, whitewater rafting and fishing.
He loved competition, adventure and spending time outdoors, reflecting a personality that extended well beyond his professional accomplishments.
Those closest to him will remember not only the businessman but also the husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and mentor.
Roger 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.
Cause of Death
Roger Beasley’s obituary states that he passed away peacefully at his Austin home on August 28, 2026, at age 87. It does not identify a specific medical cause of death.
Funeral Arrangements
A funeral service for Roger Beasley is scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home in Austin.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of the donor’s choice in Roger’s memory.
Latest Update
Roger Kay Beasley, the longtime Austin auto dealer, entrepreneur and founder of the Roger Beasley Auto Group, has died at 87. He passed away peacefully at his Austin home on August 28, 2026, surrounded by family.
His legacy reaches across Austin’s automotive industry, including his longstanding connection to Mazda, as well as the University of Texas, Central Texas charities and the hundreds of employees whose careers were shaped by the organization he built.