James Monroe Beck, 91, of Morganton went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. Born on June 19, 1927 in Burke County, NC, he was the son of the late Alton Randall Beck and Virginia Williams Beck. James was born and raised in a little cabin at the foot of Table Rock Mountain.
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and a member of El Bethel Baptist Church. He was a former owner of Burke Grading and Paving, was the first president of the Oak Hill Ruritan Club, served in various positions with the Burke County Board of Elections, and was a local historian. James was always ready to tell a story from years gone by.
Mr. Beck is survived by his children, Barbara (Ben) Bradshaw and Forrest “Buddy” (Janice) Beck; grandchildren, Stephanie Bradshaw (Justin) Orders, Joe Wilson Bradshaw, Bennice Bradshaw (Bruce) Tipton, and Joseph “Chris” Beck; great-grandchildren, Peyton and Greyson Orders, Brandon and Ben Tipton, Ella and Jonah Bradshaw, and Stella Beck; sisters-in-law, Minnie and Annie Beck; special nieces and nephews, Thomas “Tommy” Ollis, Beverly (Cecil) Salgwen, Teresa McDavid, and Don McDavid; and dear friends, Avis Williams, Charles Clark, Ed Phifer, Jr., and Edna Newcomb.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Jennie Ruth Whisenant Beck; grandson, Forrest James “Jamie” Bradshaw; and siblings, Derrwood Beck, Alton (Willa) Beck, Jr., Phifer (Geneva) Beck, Lawrence Beck, Charles Beck, Sue (Bob) McDavid, and Doris Golightly.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, July 1, 2018 at El Bethel Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the church with the Revs. Ron Cooper and David Beam officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to El Bethel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with the arrangements.
The family would like to thank the staff of Autumn Care of Drexel for their wonderful care and kindness.
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