Charles Beaty

Charles Randolph Beaty, 87, of Winder, died Tuesday, December 16, 2008, at his residence.

A native of Barrow County, he was the son of the late Charles Hammond and Carrie Beaty. Mr. Beaty was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Mildred Stroud Beaty; and a brother, Ivan Davis. He graduated from the University of Georgia and was an avid Bulldog fan. For 40 years, his primary career was as a sales and architectural consultant working for National Gypsum Company of Charlotte, N.C. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Winder and a member of Winder Noon Lions Club.

He was an original member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army and an original member of the 505 Parachute Infantry Regiment. He fought in North Africa, made combat jumps into Sicily and Naples, Italy, and fought from Naples into Rome. Beaty, along with the rest of the 82nd Airborne, jumped into Normandy the night before D-Day, June 6, 1944. He was captured by the German forces and spent 11 months as a prisoner of war before being freed in Southern Germany. He was awarded three bronze stars for valor in combat.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Sally and William H. Gardner Jr., Winder; sons and daughters-in-law, Charles M. (Mac) and Kathy Beaty, Greenville, S.C., Chris K. and Charlotte Beaty; daughter-in-law, Robin Beaty, Flowery Branch; grandchildren, Michael Gardner, Carrie Johnson, Melissa Edge, Matthew, Allison and Rand Beaty; and a great-grandchild, Addie Johnson.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, December 19, at 2 p.m., at the First Christian Church, 275 North 5th Ave., Winder. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Christian Church of Winder.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.