The “I Am Williamson” column features individuals in Williamson County who are known and unknown as staples of our community, doing good, being seen and unseen, and exuding Williamson County.

This month, we feature Charles (Charly) Beauchamp. Charly is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who opened his Franklin practice, Beauchamp Animal Hospital, in 1977. For over forty-eight years, he has been devoted to his passion for helping animals and, in turn, their humans. His practice and the reputation he has established in our community speak to his trusted care, professionalism and dedication to animals.  We are proud to tell a part of Charly’s story and loved learning a little more about him in our “I Am Williamson” interview.

How long have you lived in Williamson County and what is it about WC that makes it feel like home to you?

I have lived here for fifty-three years, since 1972. It feels like home due to the culture and people, those relationships, and the accessibility to that culture and relationships. Also, a general feeling of care, serenity and well-being. 

What is your profession, and what led you to choose it? 

I was raised in an environment of respect for our natural world and interaction with the human world. My interest in the animal world and a very close cousin (veterinarian) led me to choosing veterinary medicine as a career. Veterinary medicine incorporates the biological science and technology to bring a needed balance to the animal-human world—companion animals, agriculture, animals, plants, drug resources, and improving environmental and our physical health to name a few.

Three words that best describe you. 

Kind, compassionate, integrity.

What do you like to do in your spare time?    

Sports, traveling, hunting, nature’s world and reading.

Where is your favorite place to go in WC and why?   

I truly enjoy most places in Williamson County, especially the Civil War and historical sites, and the back roads of what’s left of rural and small areas.

What keeps you motivated and inspired?

Relationships, clients and their loyalty to Beauchamp Animal Hospital. The devotion, love and loyalty to the veterinary profession.

What organization(s) are you involved with and why?

Battle of Franklin Trust, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Shriners Children Hospital, Tunnels to Towers and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Those organizations all encompass my compassion for childhood diseases and illness as well as those who serve our country in any way. Preservation of history related to the South, Civil War and Williamson County and middle Tennessee is very important to me.

What is the one thing you do not go a day without? 

Daily prayers and time for personal reflection with God. I pray every day to be the person my dog thinks I am—as the saying goes.

Finish this statement: I AM Williamson because…  

I am Williamson because I came here as an outsider, a stranger, a die-hard Floridian/Florida Gator and Williamson County and its people welcomed me. They gave me the opportunity to dream and make those dreams come true. Through the years, I dedicated myself and this veterinary practice to try and to give back to Williamson County, as it was given to me. I have been so very fortunate and so very grateful for the many, many people from all walks of life that have crossed my life’s path—making me a better person and service provider for Williamson County. The friendship, loyalty and support, that Williamson County has given me, is extremely humbling and will always be. Thank you to all, forever more.