(Seguin) — When Santa Sheriff recently made his way through the hallways of Avir at Walnut Springs on North King Street, the visit unfolded just as many others do during the holidays — with gift bags, carols, smiles, and warm greetings.
But one unexpected moment stopped him in his boots while on the way out.
As Sheriff Santa, a.k.a. Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray and Mrs. Claus moved through the facility, staff wheeled a resident into the hallway at her request. Claire, escorted by her home health nurse, had heard Santa was in the building and insisted she must see him.
And that reason quickly became clear.
That’s because meeting Sheriff Santa and his wife Janel Ray brought back a lifetime of cherished memories for Claire — memories of her late husband, Charles Beall, a man many families knew simply as Santa.
For more than 25 years, Beall portrayed Santa Claus across South Texas, including a celebrated 15-plus-year run as the beloved North Star Mall Santa in San Antonio. Together, Claire and Charles — married for 57 years — shared countless holiday seasons spreading joy, with Claire often serving proudly as Mrs. Claus by his side.
Claire says this week’s visit was no doubt an emotional reunion of some of her happiest moments.
“I happen to be Mrs. Claus — a pretty close connection,” said Claire with a smile. “It was crazy but wonderful. He was a perfect Santa. He loved doing it. He loved the children and he looked forward to it every year, even though it was very hard on him at times, the long hours, but he enjoyed it very much.”
Claire says her husband’s message to children was always the same. She says he always made sure they knew how deeply loved they were.
Again, seeing Sheriff Santa and Mrs. Sheriff Santa in the hallway instantly stirred those memories. Claire says she wanted to meet them personally so she could thank the couple for continuing a tradition that meant so much to her family and to so many others.
“That was awesome,” said Claire after the visit. “I wanted to thank them because they do an awesome job.”
The Bealls’ holiday legacy extended well beyond mall appearances. The couple is also remembered for their community contributions in Seguin and the many children they encountered over the decades. In 1986, Charles Beall even wrote and produced a holiday record titled A Visit from Santa, further cementing their place in Christmas history for many families.
The visit unfolded during one of several Santa Sheriff visits underway across Guadalupe County this holiday season.
The effort is supported by businesses and individuals across the county who donated funds to help purchase gifts — small tokens meant to brighten the season and remind residents they are not forgotten. Deputies and sheriff’s office staff filled in as elves, singing and delivering red gift filled packages.
For Sheriff Ray, moments like the one shared with Claire highlight the deeper purpose behind the tradition — strengthening connections with the community’s most seasoned residents and honoring the memories that live on through the holidays.
Santa Sheriff is hoping to make his final rounds of holiday cheer this Friday at remaining nursing homes and assisted living centers across Guadalupe County.