People in one eastern Kentucky county are mourning the loss of a local legend and World War II hero tonight.

Charles Beach Jr. died Wednesday in a Lexington hospital. He was born on July 4, 1919. He fought in Europe in World War II, moving up the ranks, eventually becoming a two-star general. His family says he loved his country and his community.

"He was a true patriot. How appropriate is it that he passed away on Veterans Day," Beattyville Mayor Joseph Kash said.

"It's hard to believe that my father's gone. He has been a legend in our family," Elizabeth Beach Baker, the General's daughter, said.

General Beach returned to Beattyville after the war, and spent the next 60 years promoting the city and trying to make it a better place. Charlotte Davis said his two main concerns for the city were education and transportation.

"He always felt that transportation was what would keep us alive and keep us thriving and allow us to grow," Davis said.

One of the things Beach is credited for is pushing to extend Highway 11 from Booneville all the way to London. Many in the town say they had respect and admiration for the man they called "the General," and say he will be missed.

"General Beach was the most ardent advocate Beattyville and Lee County will ever have," Davis said.

"He had loyalty to country, to his community. He cared about the people here, and this is his hometown. He was a part of it and wanted to make it better," Kash said.

"For country, and his personal life, and the people in this town. I think I'll always remember the inspiration that he was to others," Baker said.

It seems only fitting for the war hero who fought for the country he loved, to die on Veterans Day. The funeral for the General will be on Saturday November 14, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Beattyville.