William Demsie Beacham
March 31, 1934 – Aug. 17, 2015

William Demsie Beacham, age 81, a resident of Slatestone Drive, Washington, passed away on August 17, 2015.  Mr. Beacham was born in Beaufort County, NC on March 31, 1934 to the late Josh Tayloe and Nancy Heath Beacham. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Mary Alice Beacham; his brothers: Franklin Beacham, Josh Beacham Jr. and Fletcher Beacham; and his sister, Nancy Shackleford.

He graduated from Washington High School and was employed as a maintenance technician for National Spinning until his retirement.  Also, he was in the Army for two years.  In his leisure time, he was an avid fisherman and enjoyed this hobby with his brothers. He loved all of his family, including his siblings and nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda Beacham Giles (Harry); his son, William Beacham, Jr. (Kim); and his daughters: Lori Beacham Ward (Jerry) and Hope Beacham Jenkins (Clay).

Additionally, he is survived by nine grandchildren: Harry Giles, Jr. (Erin), Justin Giles (Blair), Ashlee B. Cahoon (Jordan), Chad Giles (Tiffany),  Joshua Jenkins (Laura), Casey Coghill, Christy Coghill, Jennifer Jenkins and Sarah Ward; and eight great-grandchildren: Tyler Dugger, Brody Cahoon, Layla Giles, Lilly Giles, Grayson Giles, Wyatt Jenkins, Lacey Giles and Harper Cahoon. He is also survived by his sisters:  Martha Boyd, Mildred Potter and Hazel Midgette; and many caring nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life was held at 3:00 on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 in the chapel of Hillside Funeral Service, officiated by Pastor Todd Parrish. Music was provided by Doug Cutler.

A private entombment was held at Pamlico Memorial Gardens in Washington.   Harry Giles, Jr., Justin Giles, Chad Giles, Joshua Jenkins, Jordan Cahoon, Christian Mazariegos, Brody Cahoon and Tyler Dugger served as pallbearers.  A reception for family and friends followed the service in the parlor of Hillside Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Free Will Baptist Church in Washington or the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center, 1209 Brown St., Washington, NC  27889.

You may share a memory with the family and view Mr. Beacham’s memorial by visiting www.hillsidefuneralservice.com. Hillside Funeral Service & Cremations, 4500 Hwy 264 E., Washington, has been given the honor of being entrusted with serving the Beacham family.