BEAVERS, WARREN G.
Warren Gordon Beavers, 85, of Soddy Daisy, died on Monday, July 14, 2008.
Born in Dayton, Tennessee, November 20, 1922, his love of country led him to misrepresent his age and at 17 he entered the Marine Corps on July 16, 1940. A faithful patriot to the end, as part of the 1st Marine Raiders, he fired the first shot against the Japanese-occupied South Pacific island of Tulagi on August 7, 1942. After a day of hard fighting, the 1st Marine Raiders captured the island. He received a Purple Heart for injuries received during the war.
Reverend Beavers was converted to the Christian faith in 1946 and attended school at Lee College in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he graduated salutatorian in 1955. He was first licensed to preach in 1950 and became an ordained minister for the Churches of God in 1955. Throughout his ministry he pastored churches in Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Alabama while organizing 11 new churches. He was appointed administrative bishop of northern New England from 1980 to 1984. In 1988 he retired from pastoral duties with Daisy Church of God conferring the status of pastor emeritus for his lengthy ministry of 15 years of service to that church and community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Ethel Beavers; sister, Ruby Burdette and brother, Everett Beavers.
He is survived by his faithful wife of 65 years, Nola Potter Beavers; daughter, Judy (Ron) Hughes of Chattanooga; sons, Jerry (Dolores) Beavers, Harold Beavers and Tommy Beavers, all of Soddy Daisy; grandchildren, David (Katie) Reynolds, Chris (Melisa) Beavers, Adam Beavers, Brook (Ryan) Phillips, Micah Hughes and Wyatt Beavers; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Chase, Bryce and Cassie Reynolds; many friends at Hardees and Wimpies in Soddy Daisy.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, at 2 p.m. at Daisy Church of God with Bishops Jewell Travis and Sam Phillips and Rev. Estle Sanders officiating. The body will lie in state from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at the church. Burial will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Ronald Russell, Jack Penney, David Reynolds, Chris Beavers, Adam Beavers and Micah Hughes. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Gideon Bible Class of Daisy Church of God. Visitation is Wednesday from 4 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation is today from 4 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. He will lie in state from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Daisy Church of God. His lasting legacy will be his love for people.
Arrangements are by Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379.