VIRGINIA BEACH—Walter Edward Beaman, 77, died Nov. 9, 2007.

Mr. Beaman was born and grew up in Franklin, the son of the late Herbert Wharton Beaman and Mary Cobb Beaman.

He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Ruby B. Bishop Hardy.

Retired from the City of Virginia Beach as director of the Highway Division, he had served in various capacities of service in state and city government during his career.

He began in the early 50s on a survey party with the Virginia Department of Highways. During the Korean War, he served with the U.S. Army from 1954-56 in the 101st Airborne Division, for 19 months stationed in the American sector opposite the Russian sector in Austria and then into Italy. Returning to VDH, he advanced to project engineer on Peninsula projects. In 1964 he was hired by the new City of Virginia Beach as assistant director of Highways, becoming administrator of the Virginia Beach Highway Department before leaving in 1967 to become assistant city manager and director of Public Works for Franklin.

During the five years with the City of Franklin, he was responsible for all public services provided its citizens as well as serving as secretary of the City Planning Commission. He was a member and secretary of the Governors Highway Safety Commission and a member of Southeastern District Planning Commission’s Advisory Transportation and Water Supply Committees.

In 1972 he returned to the City of Virginia Beach as administrator of the Highway Division in charge of streets, roads and bridges, their construction and maintenance. During this time the City of Virginia Beach grew from a population of 188,700 to 404,822 when he retired in 1992.

His department received many commendations of excellence under his direction in the years prior to his retirement.

As an Eagle Scout and active athlete in early years, he played football and baseball at Franklin High School and Chowan College, and proceeded to coach recreational teams in Virginia Beach and Franklin in football, baseball and basketball. He inspired others with his sense of fair play, good sportsmanship and dedication.

He was a member of St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, the Princess Anne Ruritan Club and past member of the Franklin Lions Club.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Jean Atkins Beaman; his daughter, Candace B. Moore and husband Jack of Falls Church; son, Walter Tucker Beaman and wife Donna of Virginia Beach; son, William Bradley Beaman and wife Gail of Decatur, Ga.; four beloved grandchildren, Brittany A. Moore of Falls Church, Elizabeth A. Moore of Boulder, Colo., William T. Beaman and Amanda R. Beaman of Virginia Beach.

The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers, especially the Lake Taylor staff for their caring and considerate ways.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. today at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 3201 Edinburgh Drive, King’s Grant, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, with the Rev. Coleman Tyler officiating.

The family will receive friends after the service in the church parish hall. Interment will be private at a later time in Eastern Shore Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, 740 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23451.

Condolences and remembrances may be e-mailed to the family at www.hdoliver.com.