Brigadiere General Ernest H. Beverly

Asheville ~ Ernest Haywood Beverly passed away Sunday, June 24, 2007. He was born November 1, 1915, in Lumberton, NC and grew up in Laurinburg, NC. Ernest was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Beverly and the youngest of five boys. General Beverly was a US Air Force veteran, entering the service as an aviation cadet. In 1937, he was commissioned a second lieutenant and was then assigned to Langley Field, VA. He served his country in three wars, World War II, the Korean War, and in Vietnam. "Bev" as he was affectionately known, commanded the 325th Fighter Group, known to WWII buffs as the "Checkertails". During his Air Force career of 28 years, he commanded the 4th Fighter Group, the 51st Fighter Wing and later the 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing. General Beverly served as the wing commander for the 9th Air Division, at Fort Lee Virginia and for the 39th Air Division at Misawa Air Base, Japan. On Nov. 1, 1964, he became director of operations for the Pacific Air Force. General Beverly retired from the Air Force in 1965. Then he joined Hughes Aircraft Far East, Tokyo, Japan. The decoration and medals bestowed on General Beverly during his career include; The Silver Star: The Distinguished Flying Cross; with Seven Leaf Oak Clusters; The French Croix de Guerre with Palm; The Japan Order or the Rising Sun; as well as 9 different service medals with clusters. In 1980, Ernest retired. He and his wife, Joanna Fletcher Beverly moved to Asheville. Two years ago this August, the Beverly's moved to Givens Estates where they have been surrounded and supported by a caring community. Ernest is survived by his loving and supportive wife of 68 years, Joanna Fletcher Beverly; his daughter Mary Jo Limbird and her husband Glenn of Fairview, NC; his son, Jerry Beverly and wife Anne, of San Antonio, Texas; and by his three grandchildren, Bryan Beverly, Mark Limbird and Jonathan Limbird. Although he was not able to visit with them, "Grandaddy B" loved viewing the pictures of his four great grandchildren which he proudly displayed for all to see. A graveside service will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday in Calvary Episcopal Churchyard in Fletcher with full military honors. A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Thursday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home on Long Shoals Road with the family receiving friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801 or to The Givens Estate, 2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803.