William R. Beach (aka Bill “Peg Pants” Beach) was surrounded by his family as he went to be with Christ at the age of 92 on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. He was much loved by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wives Joan, Barbara and Mildred; and his step-son, Dana Hartsock.
He spent his young years on a tobacco farm in Kentucky where he learned the value of hard work and self-determination. He graduated from Glenco High School, where his talent on the basketball court earned him the nickname “Frog.”
Bill was a patriot and fiercely devoted to his country. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served honorably during the Korean War.
He was a great storyteller and entertainer and was inducted into The International Rockabilly Hall of Fame for his songs “Peg Pants” and “You’re Gonna Like Me Baby.” He wrote and performed both songs and in 1956 recorded them at King Records in Cincinnati.
After leaving the music industry, Bill owned Beach’s Sewing Center in the Cincinnati area. Bill served his community as a member of the Optimist Club of Northern Kentucky and volunteered for the Greater Cincinnati Multiple Sclerosis Society.
After retiring, Bill split his time between Southwest Florida and Tennessee. When he wasn’t fishing, he continued performing well into his 80’s. He was a man with strong Christian beliefs and was active in the churches he attended throughout his life.
He is survived by his loving daughters, Debra Beach and Bonnie Jane (Wayne) McDaniel; his grandchildren, William (Demetria) Beach and Brittany (Paul) Simpson; four great-grandchildren, Lillianne, Dylan, Eli and Addie; as well as many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at Berkeley Square Retirement Community, 100 Berkeley Circle, Hamilton, Ohio 45013 on Nov. 20 from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. A private, graveside ceremony will be held in Marco Island, Florida at a later date.
Prior to his death, Bill requested that in lieu of flowers, donations in his name could be made to Hospice of Cincinnati at hospiceofcincinnati.org/donate/.
