Bill Beck
Willie “Bill” Beck, 94, of Soddy Daisy, died on Saturday, July 30, 2016.
Bill was born in Carrollton, Ga., to the late Ola Grizzard and Clarence Beck.
He was the oldest of 10 siblings. Born on a farm, Bill knew the value of hard word.
On December 12, 1941 he joined the Army/AirForce. Bill served during World War II and returned home with a Purple Heart, numerous bronze medals, and other service awards.
He met the love of his life, Dorothy Irene Golden and they were wed on Oct. 21, 1943, and enjoyed 65 years of marriage before her death in 2008.
Over the decades, Bill went to work with a trucking company and had two beautiful children. He retired from Velsicol Chemical Company after more than 35 years of service to begin the next phase of his life.
He and Dot loved to travel with their growing family. Bill also loved gardening, dancing and Elvis. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed skiing.
Bill loved the Lord and was a longtime member of Clear Creek Church of Christ. He was also a member of the VFW, Soddy Daisy Masonic Lodge, and the Teamsters Union.
After the passing of his first wife, Bill met and married Theresa Ritchie. They loved telling jokes, playing cards, traveling and dancing.
He was a sweet-spirited person who enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved giving to others.
Bill was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.
Survivors include his wife of 3½ years, Theresa Lewis Beck; son, Larry (Jo) Beck of Lake Charles, Louisiana; daughter, Niki (Ray) Bearden of Lakesite, Tn.; stepsons, Kevin (Diana) Ritchie of Soddy Daisy, and Vance Ritchie of Hixson; step-daughter, Adena (Tommy) Farr of Soddy Daisy; grandchildren, Donald Beck of Nashville; Tonya (Claude) Snyder of Lakesite, Tn.; Eric (Tamara) Bearden of Hixson; great-grandchildren, Lauren (Jeffery) Douglas, Christopher Snyder, Coleton Bearden, Cameron Bearden, Cayden Bearden, and McKenzie Beck; great-great-grandchildren, Isaiah Howard and Ava Douglas; brothers, Victor Beck of Columbia, Tn., Dickie (Sandy) Beck of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee; and Jerry (Lora) Beck of Columbia, Tn.; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Monday, Aug. 1, from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the North Chapel with Minister Joy Davis officiating.
Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Clear Creek Church of Christ, 5612 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.