William “Bill” Edward Beckwith

William “Bill” Edward Beckwith, a proud veteran of the United States Navy, passed away on 15 May 2022.

A memorial service honoring the life of Bill, will be held at Biggers Funeral Home, 9 July 2022, at 11:00 a.m.

The son of MSgt (Ret) Dareld and Wilma Beckwith, Bill, as he was affectionately known, grew up a military dependent, but had come to call Texas home, after a long and storied military career. He was born on 22 November 1937 in Redmond, Oregon and attended high school in Okinawa, Japan, graduating at Edwards Air Force Base, California.  At the age of 18, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. As part of this service, Bill was named Sailor of the Year in 1981, at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington and was awarded several Good Conduct Awards, the Navy Achievement Medal and many other accolades, too many to name.

In the days leading up to his death, Bill enjoyed spending time with his family, meeting new people and visiting with friends. Bill loved telling old stories and long drives through the Texas countryside. Bill dedicated the last years of his life to the Lord and took comfort sharing the word of the Lord with others. A singer and song writer, Bill loved playing guitar and sharing his music with all who would listen. A wonderful father, remarkable man, and patriot, Bill is truly loved and will be sadly missed.

Bill was preceded in death by his wives, Ginny L. Stout and Shirley A. Beckwith; his parents; and daughter, Renee D. Warren.

Bill is survived by the mother to his children, Thelma M. Herwig; children, William C. Beckwith, Tina L. (Johnson) Smith, Derich M. Shaw, Eric J. Beckwith; grandchildren, Courtney L. Plonski, Timothy D. Johnson II, Richard A. Snider, Whitney L. Beckwith, Clayton M. Smith, Gabriel L. Shaw, Jacob E. Shaw, Savanna F. Shaw, Alex J. Miller and Robert J. Miller.