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From Our Archives: October 21, 1976: Banker, soldier, civic leader, C. Beach, Jr. honored
July 15, 2025
MAJOR GENERAL CHARLES BEACH, JR., commander of the 100th Army Reserve Division, responded to the sentiments expressed and stories told by speakers at the program in his honor on the afternoon of “Charles Beach Appreciation Day” in Lee County. He told the audience he was “completely overwhelmed” with the day’s activities and said he was sure the program’s speakers would “go to heaven for their charity. If they don’t go somewhere else for theirexaggeration.”
THE BICENTENNIAL REGIMENTAL COLOR GUARD of the 100th U.S. Army Reserve Training Division presented the colors during our national anthem at the program for “Charles Beach Appreciation Day” held in the Sedley Stewart Auditorium Sunday afternoon. Behind the color guard are platform guests Gen. Benjamin Butler, Leroy Johnston, Arch Deacon, Louis Tanno, and Clarence Begley.
By Nevyle Shackelford
In appreciation of his long years of service as a banker, insurance man, soldier, and civic leader, C. Beach, Jr. was honored Sunday in a 2-hour ceremony at the Lee County High School.
On the behalf of all Lee Countians, this event listed on the programs as the “Charles Beach Appreciation Day,” was sponsored by the Beattyville Kiwanis Club with Finley Booth acting as master of ceremonies. The feature speaker was Major-General Benjamin Butler who recently retired as commanding officer of the 100th Division, U.S. Army Reserve, and was succeeded by Beach who now holds the rank of Major General.
The ceremony was also attended by several officers, members of the 100th’s general staff. Among these officers was Col. Zack C. Saufley, assistant division commander.
Speaking to the crowd, Col. Saufley lauded Gen. Beach for his 33 years of service in the military and for his dedication to the betterment of people.
He was never afraid to take on the bureaucracy in Frankfort or Washington. Col. Saufley said to let them know that Lee County was a vital part of the Nation and the Commonwealth. This statement was later reechoed by Col. Clarence Begley who called Gen. Beach Lee County’s greatest lobbyist.
Col. Saufley went on to say that Gen. Beach not only maintained a full-service bank, but also a full-time bank, but also a full-service bank. No other bank in Kentucky, he said, keeps longer hours for convenience of its customers.
In paying tribute to Gen. Beach, Gen. Butler called him a true patriot, a talented and dedicated military officer, a “giver” instead of a go-getter” who gave freely of his time, money, and talent for the benefit of the Nation’s preparedness and the welfare of his people. He also paid tribute to Mrs. Beach for sharing her husband’s time and her sacrifices in favor of the military. “The Charles Beach Day” he said, should also be called “Peggy Beach Day”.
Also highlighting the program was Col. Clarence Begley who briefly outlined Gen. Beach’s career from the time of his first job with a highway construction crew at 15 cents an hour to his present position as a bank president. He said Gen. Beach started his military career as a R.O.T.C. graduate of Virginia Military Institute with the rank of second lieutenant. His first command, Col. Begley went on to say, consisted of four mules and a 75 MM howitzer. Now, he adds he’s a general and commands a division.
In response to the plaudits of the speakers on the program and the crowd, the modest and unassuming Gen. Beach who really did not know for this planned event until he read about it in the paper, gave all the credit for his succusses to the loyal and unselfish people with who he had worked and who had worked for him.
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