Anthony “Tony” James Beatrice, USMC (Retired), 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, died Aug. 26 at Beaufort Memorial Hospital in Beaufort, S.C. He leaves a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Kirk Fuller of Cary; two granddaughters, Catherine Fuller and Alexandra Fuller, both of Cary; a brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Louise Beatrice of Philadelphia, PA to cherish his memory.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Hannah Cohen Beatrice, who died in August, 2007.

Beatrice was born in Philadelphia, PA on Jan. 9, 1924. In search of opportunity, he joined the US Civilian Conservation Corps at the age of 14. He helped build the Skyline Drive in Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway in N.C., bridges in Seattle, WA and the US Naval Hospital in Beaufort, S.C. When he turned 16, he volunteered (though underage) for the US Marine Corps. He saw combat at Guadal Canal, Cape Gloucester and Peleliu.

He returned to Parris Island where he was honorably discharged. He became a Beaufort police officer where he met and later married Hannah in 1948. He re-entered the Corps and played football at Parris Island and Cherry Point, N.C. Following a transfer and a two-year assignment at recruiting school in Philadelphia, Beatrice volunteered and served in combat in the Korean War. Upon his return, he managed the Marine Corps Recreational Services in Washington, DC and Kaneohe, HI, retiring to Beaufort after completing 20 years of service.

He worked in local real estate for many years, as both an agent and as owner of his own real estate agency. Following his second “retirement”, he worked in Civil Service, operating recreational facilities at the MCAS. In his most recent vocation, he assisted the owners and staff at FWDG. He was a member of the Lions Club for 45 years, during which time he held local and state offices and was named a Melvin Jones Fellow. Beatrice was greatly loved by many and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made to the Dismas Thrift Store, 241 Robert Small Parkway, Beaufort, S.C. 29906 or the Beaufort Lions Club, PO Box 658, Beaufort, S.C. 29901.