Charles Crockett Beason, Sr.

Charles Crockett “Charlie” Beason, Sr., 98, widower of the late Leda E. Beason and a long time resident of Aiken, South Carolina passed away peacefully at the home of his niece in Berryton, Kansas following a short illness.

Mr. Beason was born on September 29, 1919 in Harriman, TN., a son of the late James Charlie and Hattie Louella Raymond Beason and direct descendant of the Davy Crockett from which he received his name. He was the last surviving member of 9 siblings.

Coming from what has been deemed the “Greatest Generation”, Mr. Beason exemplified a sense of personal responsibility and a commitment to honesty which was a strong characteristic of this generation. Mr. Beason was sworn into the United States Army at Fort McPherson, Georgia before being sent to Fort Benning, Georgia and from their to the frontlines of World War II. He was a member of the 4th Infantry Division serving as a combat medic. Mr. Beason is one of the last surviving members of an elite group of veterans which landed on Utah Beach in Normandy, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Their objective was to go up on the beach and contact the paratroopers and get them all back together where they would have headquarters and they would know what to do and they wouldn’t be scattered all over the place and just be there by themselves. He received numerous distinguished awards for valor and service to his country including the French Medal of Honor, Bronze Stars, an ETO Ribbon, a campaign ribbon, an American ribbon and a Good Conduct Medal.

Even after the war, Mr. Beason was dedicated to serving others as well as his community. He retired from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Department as a Crime Prevention Officer. Mr. Beason was a member and past Potentate (1979) with the Jamil Shrine Temple in Columbia as well a member of the Aiken Masonic Lodge No 156.

Surviving are a grandson, Charles Crockett Beason, III of Aiken; a granddaughter, Jean Elizabeth Beason of Rock Hill; a great-granddaughter, Kailey Beason of Aiken; a great-grandson, Lucas Beason of Aiken as well as a loving extended family.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at Shiloh Baptist Church, burial will follow in Aiken Memorial Gardens, under the care of the Historic George Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2:30 pm until 3:45 pm at the church.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Center Fire Department and officers and staff of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Department.