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.

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