Julius James “Buddy” Beck

Julius James “Buddy” Beck, 83, of Morganton, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by family on Saturday, August 24, 2019.  Born in Burke County on May 23,1936, he was the son of the late Julius Alexander “Bud” Beck and Mildred Louise (Bowman) Beck.

Buddy was retired from Southland Ford Rebuilders of Charlotte.  He was a dedicated member of Smyrna Baptist Church for most of his life and served as a Trustee for many years. Buddy also worked previously as a mechanic for Shadowline. Following his retirement he and his wife enjoyed traveling across the United States and spending time with their children and grandchildren.  One of his favorite pastimes was sitting on his covered porch, watching the afternoon fade on the hill where he was both born and raised. Buddy was an avid NASCAR fan, civil war buff and an old car enthusiast who spent many memorable days with family and friends rebuilding and working on cars in his beloved garage.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of almost 50 years, Jeanette Gale (Ross) Beck, and children James Dean Beck of Valdese, Janice Sue Lowdermilk of Morganton and Judith Rae Steare (Douglas) of Sandy Hook, CT; grandchildren, Gwen Parker (Casey) of Valdese, Jamie Rogers (Andrew) of Gastonia, Mandy Stevenson (Preston) of Hendersonville, Anna Steare, Olivia Steare and Sam Steare of Sandy Hook, CT; great grandchildren, Julien Beck, Nicholas Farris, Anna Grace Stevenson and Noah Stevenson; uncle, Roland Beck (Nancy).

In addition to his parents, Buddy was preceded in death by an infant brother, Bennet Alexander Beck.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at Smyrna Baptist Church.  A celebration of his life will immediately follow with Rev. Randy Clark & Preston Stevenson officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Smyrna Baptist Church, 3500 Brown Mountain Beach Road, Morganton, NC 28655 and Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.