Warren Joshua Beam, formerly of Fayetteville, N.C., died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010, at the Peachtree Rehabilitation Centre in Gaffney.

Born in Gaffney on Nov. 15, 1919, he was the husband of the late Connie Elgin Beam. His parents were James Ithiel Beam and Adelia Frances Beam.

He attended West End Elementary and Gaffney High School before serving in the Army during World War II. PFC Warren J. Beam served his

country as a

surgical technician

in the Army from 1942-45. He received the Purple Heart, Good Conduct, and European African Middle Eastern Service medals and was honorably discharged Oct. 16, 1945.

After World War II, he completed refrigeration trade school and began his own refrigeration repair business. Beam Refrigeration operated in Fayetteville for 50 years.

He is survived by three sons, Larry James Beam, Warren Joshua Beam Jr. and John Wayne Beam; one brother, Joe Miller Beam and his wife, Harriet, of Taylors; two sisters, Emily Sue Ariail and husband, Warren, of Gaffney, and Ann Crotzer and husband, Bill, of Gaffney. A brother, James Francis Beam, was killed in action in World War II.

His grandchildren are Audrey, Josh, Kevin and Tiffany Beam. He has four great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Grace Baptist Church in Fayetteville on Thursday, Aug. 26, from 1-2 p.m. Services will follow at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary with the Rev. Bob Lockert officiating. Interment will be in Cumberland Memorial Cemetery.

The family expresses gratitude to the staff of Peachtree Rehabilitation Centre, Magnolia’s Assisted Living, Hospice of South Carolina, Dr. Alfred Ezman, Upstate Carolina Medical Center, Blakely Funeral Home, Veteran Affairs representative Todd Humphries, and special caregivers Mildred Byars and Bill Crotzer.

Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 301 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304.