Col. William H. “Bill” Beadling of Colington passed away Thursday October 4, 2018 after a long illness.  He was 98 years old.  Col. Bill is survived by his wife Gladys of the Colington home; daughters Leslie Ann Fournier of St. Cloud, Fla. and Linda Lee Rowland of Bullhead City, Ariz.; son William Beadling of St. Cloud, Fla.; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild as well as numerous extended family members and in-laws.

Bill retired to Colington Harbour in 1973. He founded Colington Harbour Builders, constructing houses and bulkheads. He is however, best known as the founder and developer of the Outer Banks Gun Club.  He served as its president for 20 years, Bill was also a state instructor for the concealed carry course and was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by Dare County in 2008 for his efforts in giving Dare County a local shooting facility. Col. Beadling was past president of the Colington Harbour Colington Association, past commander of the Coast Guard Auxillary1607, a member of the American Legion and the North South Skirmish Association.

At the age of 17, Bill joined the National Guard of Pennsylvania and rose to the rank of Colonel.  He was a pilot in WW II after which he commanded the missile defense of Pittsburgh.

The Beadling family will hold a memorial service at Nags Head Church Friday October 19, 2018 at 2 p.m. Pastor Rick Lawrenson will officiate. Memorial donations in Col. Beadling’s honor are gratefully welcome at Nags Head Church, PO Box 302, Nags Head NC, 27959. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.  Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.