Franklin – Walter (Billy) Beale III of Franklin passed away on Monday, February 17, 2014. He was born in Southampton County to the late Walter Matthews and Elsie Hart Beale on July 5, 1930. He was also predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Rebecca DeJarnette Beale.
He was a retired farmer who enjoyed his garden and sharing the harvest with friends and neighbors. He was also a long time director for Southampton County Farm Bureau and a charter member of the Forks of the River Ruritan Club. He was a member and a past Master of the Franklin Masonic Lodge and a former member of the Virginia National Guard.
Billy was a member of Sycamore Baptist Church where he served as a Trustee, (chairman for more than 24 years) and a Deacon. He was the Sunday School Director for thirty-seven years and served on various committees.
Survivors include his children: Mike Beale and wife Shirley of Smithfield, Kathy Beale of Charlottesville, and Tricia Milteer and husband Paul of Cincinnati, Ohio. Also, a grandson, Thomas Milteer of Washington, D.C. and a step grandson, Ryan Milteer and his wife Melissa and sons Jackson and Seth. Other survivors include a sister-in-law and her husband, June and Sidney Foster of Brookneal, VA and sister-in-law Anne DeJarnette of Lynchburg and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Sycamore Baptist Church in Franklin on Thursday, February 20, at 2 pm. Burial will follow in Poplar Spring Cemetery. Visitation will be at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin Wednesday night from 6:30-8:30. The family suggest memorials be sent to Sycamore Baptist Church Building Fund, 31120 Sycamore Church Road, Franklin, VA 23851, the Alzheimer's Association, South East Virginia Chapter, 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23502, or a charity of your choice. www.wrightfunrealhome.org