S.E. “Buck” Beckham (91)met his Heavenly Father early Sunday morning, Jan 7, surrounded by friends and family. He is survived by his wife of 70 years and High School Sweetheart, Dottie Beckham. His son Sandy Beckham (preceded in death Crystal White), and daughters Laurie Turner (Terry Turner), and Lynn Kendrick (preceded in death Robert Kendrick). Four grandchildren Drew Turner (Tiffany), Brandon Turner, Josh Kendrick (Savannah), and Katelyn Kendrick (Nikki), and one great grandchild (Gabriella Turner).
An alumni of Rock Hill High, Class of 1952, Buck worked many jobs over the years. This included places like Smith Drugstore, Rock Hill Concrete Co., The Brick Yard, and Whitesell Funeral Home. He also found time to do wedding photography from the Early 50s to the Mid 90s. This resulted in him not being able to enter a single building without seeing someone he knew and instantly greeting them and asking about their family. If he did not know them personally, he most assuredly knew a possible distant relative that had the same last name. As a prominent member of the Rock Hill community, he was a lifelong member of Mainstreet and Cornerstone UMC. He regularly volunteered to usher or help in the kitchen at United Methodist Men Fish Frys. In Demolay he was a Chapter and State Dad of South Carolina. As a Mason he was a former District Deputy of South Carolina and Master of 111 Lodge. He and Dottie helped coordinate transportation for those in need to both Greenville Shriners Hospital and the Cincinnati Burn Center.
Most importantly Buck Beckham was a family man. He raised three children and four grandchildren imparting the value of hard work, family values, and love. He always had a story ready for any situation, topic, or milestone. Sometimes the stories were topical and even offered an underlying lesson, but a lot of the time it was an opportunity to make someone laugh. But the most important thing in his life was his wife. Buck’s unconditional unyielding love for Dottie was an inspiration to anyone that witnessed it. There was never a time where he did not greet her with a kiss and one of his many nicknames. Even in sickness his first concern was her well-being not spending a second on himself. His love, laugh, and never-ending stories will be missed greatly by those who knew him best. Buck Beckham’s kindness touched so many people over his life and that will live on forever.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 16th 4-6pm at the Northwest Chapel of Greene Funeral Home at 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC. Funeral Will be Wednesday, Jan 17th, 1pm at Cornerstone UMC on 2697 Heckle Blvd with graveside service to follow at Ebenezer ARP on Ebenezer Blvd.