WDBX radio held a fundraising event Friday for the funeral of Tim Beaty, a local musician who was shot and killed by a stray bullet March 27.

Dave Armstrong, the station’s manager, along with three other disc jockeys, opened up the air to people and bands familiar with Beaty, a popular local drummer. They talked about their memories of Beaty, the father of a 5-year-old son, and gun violence in the community.

“WDBX is a community radio station,” Armstrong said. “It’s bigger than a public station, and here we’re a forum where people can be open to talk about things that are important in our area.”‘

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Armstrong said he wanted to do something about this tragic event and let the community have a voice.

“I feel as though any violence is unnecessary,” he said. “What happened is a tragedy and we need to realize that our actions have consequences. Something better should come out of this.”

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Many people who knew Beaty just from his music were very supportive during the fundraiser, Armstrong said.

“Tim was a vital part of our community,” he said. “He is someone that should be remembered.”

Beaty’s funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Walker Funeral Home, 112 S. Poplar St.

Diamond Jones can be reached at [email protected] or 618-536-3325.