William C. “Bill” Beatty

WILLIAM C. “BILL” BEATTY, 81, of Weirton, WV passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024, at UPMC Montefiore in Pittsburgh, PA. He was born August 8, 1942, in Steubenville, OH, son of the late William F. and Dorothy Wittpenn Beatty. He was preceded in death by a spouse, Susan Peura Beatty in 2012, his brother Lanny Q. Beatty in 1990, and a nephew, Kenneth A. Orlando in 2017. Bill graduated from Weir Sr. High School in Weirton in 1960. After high school he went to work for the Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Company and later for the Weirton Cable Company. Bill started a career in Law Enforcement in 1968 for the City of Weirton and in 1972 he attended the WV State Police Academy. His career focused on serving the community primarily as a narcotics officer. In the early 70’s, he worked as an undercover officer in Huntington, WV. After being promoted to detective and then sergeant rank, he was soon assigned to lead the Hancock-Weirton-Brooke County drug task force for Northern WV. He retired from the city in 1992 as a Lieutenant and after 1992, he worked as a Special Investigator for the Hancock County Prosecutor. Upon leaving he continued serving as a Private Investigator. Bill also worked closely with several agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and IRS. During his career he was deputized by the U.S. Marshall Services to perform functions of a U.S. Deputy Marshal. He also received many commendations and awards for his service. These included: The Medal of Honor; Wounded in Combat Medal; Policeman’s Purple Heart; the WV Trial Lawyers Association Law Enforcement Award; the Enrique Camarena Award; and the International Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association Commendation Award. During his career, he provided numerous Drug Prevention and Awareness talks for schools and multiple organizations. His primary hobby was building Corvettes and Street Rods in which he won many awards for excellence in craftsmanship. He was a member of the Fort Steuben Street Rod Association and the Fraternal Order of Police. Bill leaves behind his children: Bill (Kelli) Beatty, Barbara Beatty, Brian (Denise) Beatty, Brent Beatty, of Weirton; Wesley (Tracey) Conway of Jacksonville, FL; Rachel (Kevin) McDermott of Hermitage, PA. He is also survived by siblings Earle (Kathi) Beatty of Colorado Springs, CO and Sheila (Ken) Orlando of Weirton. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, one great-grandson, several nieces, and special longtime companion, Sylvia Varner. Visitation took place Thursday, March 28, 2024 until the time of the funeral service at Steel and Wolfe Funeral Home, Weirton, with Rev. Milo Baker presiding. Condolences may be left at www.steelandwolfe.com.