Bill Beattie was born in Hyndman, PA, to William and Gladys (Wingfield) Beattie, on April 14, 1927. He died peacefully at home in Phoenix, AZ, on March 12, 2013. Memorial services will be held Monday, April 1, 3:00 pm, at Christ Church-Lutheran, 3901 E. Indian School Rd.
His survivors include Evonne, his wife of nearly 48 years; two children: Glenn Beattie from Phoenix, and Caroline (Heydt) Philbeck, and five grandchildren: Steele, John Heydt, Beattie, Nash and Boone Philbeck of NC; his sister, Miriam Brown (Ronald) of DE, and five nieces and nephews: Richard (Renée), Linda, Gregg (Lynda) and Kurt (Donna) Brown, and Kathie Brown (Stuart) Siberski.
Bill moved from Pittsburgh to Phoenix in 1950 and was employed by Salt River Project until He retired from Accounts Payable in 1989.
Bill was known for his music. He is a WWII vet, and was in the 7th Division Army Band in the Army of Occupation in Korea. He continued playing piano – solo, and in his Let’s Dance Orchestra – in a variety of venues in the Phoenix area, with his last “job” of 7 ½ years as volunteer piano player in the Mayo Hospital Atrium.
He always sang in church choirs: Grace, Faith and Christ Church-Lutheran, and was organist at St. John’s Lutheran for 13 years. He also sang with the Symphony Chorale and the ASU Choral Union.
Memorials may be given to the Christ Church-Lutheran Organ Rebuilding Fund, the American Lung Association of Arizona, or the Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson.
Gregg, Lynda, Brandon , Dustin & Rhiannon
Dearest Uncle Bill,
You were such a kind, sweet soul. Your love for music and the way you played the piano made your face shine- Gregg enjoyed listening & talking about the latest JAZZ artists with you. You always had such a beautiful smile & we loved your stong bear hugs when we visited. You will truly be missed- be at peace with Our Lord- until we meet again.
Much love always,
Gregg, Lynda, Brandon, Dustin & Rhiannon