Billy Richardson Beck

Mr. Billy Richardson Beck, 88, passed peacefully on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 after declining health from a degenerative neurological disorder. He was a resident of Priddy Manor Assisted Living and North Carolina Veteran's Nursing Home - Salisbury. Mr. Beck was born September 22, 1926 in Forsyth County to the late Paul Richardson and Bessie Alderman Beck. He was a baseball star at Rural Hall High School, where he was invited for tryouts with the Boston Red Sox at Ernie Shore Field. His draft into the Army prevented his appearance at the tryouts. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. In basic training, he mastered the skill as a paratrooper, went to the Philippines for 18 months and was discharged as a technical Sergeant at Fort Benning, GA. He attended Western Carolina University, Wake Forest, and UNC at Chapel Hill. Bill retired from Quality Oil Company with 33 years of service and retired as General Sales Manager and Vice President of Transport. He was an Elder of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, where he served as former church treasurer. Bill was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing at Pinebrook Country Club, where he served as past President. He coached Little League Baseball for four years and volunteered for Meals on Wheels for over a decade. Bill had an unfailing good will and jovial attitude that he unselfishly shared with everyone. His love and joy for life was like flowers that never fade away. Bill was an encourager and most importantly, a fellow pilgrim with us in our desire to follow Jesus Christ and His willingness to love everyone. He had and abundance of friends and wonderful neighbors.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ruth Reich Beck; son, Ted Richardson Beck and his fiancée, Denise Clodfelter of Lexington; sister, Rosa Lee Williams; two nephews, Rickey Lee Clayton (Anita) and Randy Coleman Clayton (Missy); two nieces, Lori Carlyle (Mark) and Lynda Nasti (Robert); and brother-in-law, John Reich (Pat). Bill leaves many memories of his loving smile and good will with them.

A funeral service will be conducted 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2015 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 357 Old Hollow Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 with the Rev. Eric Larsen and the Rev. Emily Larsen officiating. Burial will follow at Crestview Memorial Park with military honors provided by American Legion Post 290 of King. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.
(Hayworth-Miller Rural Hall Chapel)

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