Luther P. "Bill" Beverage, age 88, of Burgaw died Thursday, July 26, 2007 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

He was born June 27, 1919 in Princeton, WV, to the late William Jackson and Rita Dalton Beverage. He was also predeceased by his wife, Jean Bowman Beverage in 1975; son, W. Worth Beverage; and two sisters.

Mr. Beverage received his Electrical Engineering degree from Mechanical Institute in Richmond, VA and continued his education at Rural Electric Management Institutes throughout the country.

He retired from Four County Electric Membership Corporation after thirty-eight years as the General Manager. In 1948 when Bill began his career with Four County EMC only 10% of Pender County was electrified and in 1986 when he retired 98% of the county was electrified. While manager of Four County he was instrumental in the organization of the National Rural Electrification Program and served on many national and statewide committees throughout his career.

Mr. Beverage was a faithful and active member of Burgaw United Methodist Church, serving the church in many capacities through the years. In Pender County as well as Burgaw he was generous with his time and talents serving on many boards and committees.

Bill was a man of vision, integrity and great faith who served his family, his church and his community unceasingly.

Surviving are his wife of thirty years, Brenda Atkinson Denning Beverage of the home; sons, Robert "Bob" Beverage (Dorothy) of Florence, SC, Dr. Rick Denning (Evelyn) of Cleveland, TN; daughter, Ronda Denning Darkus (John) of Wilmington; grandchildren, William Beverage (Debbi), Luther Beverage (Norma), Jayson Beverage, Brandon Denning (Laura) and Mary Alice Denning; and five great grandchildren.

Funeral service was at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, July 29, at Burgaw United Methodist Church with The Rev. Samuel Loy and The Rev. Brandon Denning officiating.

Burial followed in Riverview Memorial Park.

Casketbearers were William Beverage, Luther Beverage, Jayson Beverage, Tyler Beverage, Hugh Frazer and Gene Jordan.

The family received friends 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Burgaw.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Meals on Wheels, Pender Adult Services, PO Box 1251, Burgaw, NC 28425 or to the charity of your choice.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw.