William C. Beckett

Bill was born on November 25, 1930 in Akron, Ohio to Deward and Marguerite Beckett. He was raised in Akron, where he graduated from East High School in 1948. He then attended college in Akron before his enlistment in the United States Air Force. He proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1955. During his service, Bill was stationed in Amarillo, where he stole his sweetheart, Clarice Tate from the high school quarterback. They were married on March 7, 1953. Upon discharge from the Air Force, he enrolled at St. Louis University, where he received his accreditation to pursue his career as a hospital administrator. He worked as Assistant Administrator for St. Anthony's Hospital for over 20 years, retiring in 1979. He then partnered with Clarice in Physician's Business Services, which the two of them ran until retiring at the age of 65. Bill and Clarice were devoted members of First Baptist Church for the last 25 years. Prior to that, they were members of Trinity Baptist Church for 20 years. There, they taught Sunday School and served as youth leaders and volunteered for many committees before joining. He enjoyed playing on the church softball teams up to the age of 60 and also bowled for the St. Anthony's company bowling league. He loved music, listening to his favorite, gospel and bluegrass music and even played the drums in a band with his brother. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, taking many memorable hunting trips with his boys. After retirement, Bill enjoyed golfing with his wife, Clarice and his friends. He was a devoted family man and loved nothing more than the time he was able to spend with friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Clarice Beckett of Amarillo; 3 children, Clark Beckett and wife Kim of Vero Beach, FL, Sheryl Beckett and husband Steve Cloutier of Martinez, CA and David Beckett of Amarillo; sister, Helen Haines of Akron, OH; 2 brothers, Gene Beckett of Akron, OH and Paul Beckett of Pittsburgh, PA and 6 grandchildren, Aaron, Samuel, Joshua, Cooper, Rachel and Kristi Beckett. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, James and Wallace Beckett and sister, Mary Pierson. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church Music Ministry: 1208 S. Tyler, Amarillo, TX 79101.

Service Schedule

Funeral Service First Baptist Church Sanctuary 1208 S. Tyler Amarillo, TX 79101 Tuesday, January 03, 2017 10:00 a.m.

Burial Schedule

Memorial Park Cemetery 6969 I-40 East Amarillo , TX 79118

Memorial Contributions

First Baptist Church Music Ministry 1208 S. Tyler Amarillo, TX 79101