Dr. Charles R. Becker

Dr. Charles R. Becker (Rik) passed away April 27, 2016 after a courageous battle with dementia. Rik was born in Florida City, Florida on November 30, 1936. As a boy, he hunted and fished in the Florida Everglades. He developed a lifelong hobby of fly fishing and traveled the country pursuing his hobby. Rik graduated from the University of Florida in three years with honors. At Auburn University he earned his DVM, doctorate of veterinary medicine, and was a member of ODK, Alpha Psi, and Alpha Tau Omega. He was a Purina Scholar. Dr. Becker moved to Birmingham in 1965 and opened Becker Animal Clinic. He was in private veterinary practice for 47 years. He was a partner and founding member of the Alabama Pet Cemetery in Brompton, AL and helped organize the Emergency Animal Clinic in Birmingham. He was a member of Canterbury United Methodist Church for over 50 years. When Martha's Garden was created he sprayed the roses every Sunday evening for several years. Dr. Becker was a loving husband, father, and grandfather to his family. A passion in life was watching his grandsons play baseball and football. He is survived by his wife Camille, his sister Norma Caves (Jack) in Vidalia, GA, daughter Tracey Towns (Perry), grandsons Spencer Perry Towns and Mitchell Becker Towns, and son Todd Becker (Carrie), Pierce and Finley and stepson Jeffrey A. Mathis (Susan). Visitation is Monday, May 2, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Canterbury Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Road, Birmingham, AL 35216, with a Celebration of Life following at 2:00 p.m at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Martha's Garden at Canterbury United Methodist Church and/or Friends of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens