Beatty

William J. Beatty Jr., a charter and eldest member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in America, passed away Tuesday at Butler Memorial Hospital. He was 99.

Bill was born Aug. 18, 1908, in Oakland Township. A Butler County resident all his life, he graduated from Butler High School.

Bill enjoyed working as a farmer and serving as a member of Agway and the Farm Bureau Board of Directors, as well as serving as an Oakland Township supervisor and secretary for 35 years.

A dedicated family man, Bill also helped raise his three grandchildren: John, Joyce and Jody, with the help of his wife, Elizabeth Beatty, who passed away in May 2002, also at the age of 99.

His devotion extended to his four other grandchildren and five great-grandchildren as well.

"He was one of the most honest men I have ever meet in my life," John Beatty Jr. said.

As a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in America, Bill showed a passion for his church and his beliefs, always welcoming visitors into his home.

Surviving are Bill's two sons, John E. Beatty Sr. of New Albany, Ind., and Lee V. Beatty of Pfafftown, N.C.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A sister and two brothers preceded him in death.

<B>BEATTY</B> — Friends of William J. Beatty Jr., who died Tuesday, April 1, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at <B>Thompson-Miller Funeral Home</B>, 124 E. North St., where the funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Pastor Michael Harvey will officiate. Burial will be at the North Butler Cemetery of Oakland Township.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Missions Fund of Westminster Presbyterian Church in America, 420 N. Main St., Butler, PA 16001.Information and a private guest book are available at www.thompson-miller.com.