Dewey W. Beauchamp

Dewey W. Beauchamp, age 96, passed away on March 1st, 2014. Mr. Beauchamp, a native of Talapoosa, Georgia moved to WNC in the 1930's as a member and employee of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Mr. Beauchamp moved to Asheville prior to World War II. He was drafted in 1944 and served as a US Army combat infantryman in the European Theater. His service in Europe included the liberation of France and Belgium, the Battle of the Bulge and the conquest of Germany. His military awards included the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Badge, and numerous marksmanship, campaign and victory citations. After the War, he remained active in veteran's affairs as a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 891 and was elected NC State Commander in 1959. Other memberships included the American Legion and the Masons. He remained active in Democratic Party politics. He was involved in the founding and incorporation of the Township of Woodfin, serving on the first Town Council. His professional experience included positions with the Asheville Citizen-Times, Frederickson Motors, and he retired from Pilot Freight Carriers. At the time of his death he was a member of the Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church. Mr. Beauchamp was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Crisp Beauchamp and survived by daughter Janice Jeffrey and husband Norris of Indian Trail, NC, son Danny Beauchamp of Arlington, VA, two grandchildren Bradley Jeffrey and Jana Mellen and husband Doug, and one great grandchild, Jake Mellen. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Charles Clark and Charles Ballew from Seniors Helping Seniors. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday March 9, 2014, at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. A memorial service will be held on Monday March 10, at 10:00 a.m., at the Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery in Black Mountain. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to VFW Post #891, 626 New Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC 28806.