Charles Hard Beckham

Charles Hard Beckham peacefully passed away on November 22, 2021 at the age of 100. Chuck was born on June 1, 1921 in Lakeland, Florida. He was predeceased in death by his wife of 73 years, Helen Clinard Beckham, as well as his parents, Charles Otis Beckham and Virginia Truesdale Beckham.

Chuck is survived by his children, Charles Richard Beckham and wife Carol and Susan Beckham Herring and husband Bill, and five grandchildren, Kristen Beckham Fourie, Eric Beckham, Carrie Beckham, Brooke Kenjura and spouses and Kristine Feagan, as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Charles was an Eagle Scout and spent his early years through high school in Lakeland. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Virginia Military Institute in 1943 and immediately went to officer candidate school at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He then joined the 78th Infantry Division as a Field artillery 2nd Lieutenant. While on maneuvers in Tennessee near Nashville he met his wide to be, Helen. They married shortly before departure for Europe in World War II.

While in Europe he served as an artillery observer and later Battery Commander from 1944 until 1946. After discharge he entered the University of Pittsburgh and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He joined Esso Research and Engineering (now ExxonMobil) in 1948 in New Jersey.

During 1951/1952 he was on loan to the Petroleum Administration for Defense in Washington during the Korean War, after which he returned to Exxon Marketing in New York City and transferred to Houston in 1961. After 34 years with Exxon he retired in 1982 as Manager, Eastern U.S. Industrial Sales.

Chuck was a long time tennis player, Charter and Board member of the Houston Racquet Club and won the Texas State Senior Olympics tennis singles championship, age 80 and 84. He was a long time member of the First Congregational Church.

Chuck was fun loving, liked a good joke, and was a self-taught stock trader online. He was strong, athletic, stubborn and kind. He loved his dogs and traveling the world with Helen. He was a giant in the world of his family and will be missed by all.