Known as Ken to his friends and Kenny to his family, he entered the world as the third child of George O. Beacham and Annie Lucille Wilson. He learned the ethic of hard work as he grew up on a farm with a brother, two sisters and nearby cousins. Later a third sister joined the family as he was finishing High School. He married the love of his life, Jerris Rhea Pelts in 1958, whom God called home 14 years ago.
They were blessed with four well-loved children who survive, Timothy Alan (Cathy) Memphis, TN, Scott Dean (Annette) Jacksonville, FL, Kenneth Wayne (Susan) Milan, TN and Jani Michelle Beacham (Jeff Schuetter) Nashville, TN. He is also survived by a brother Verlan (Hazel) Bernie, MO and three sisters, Mary Frances Farmer (Donald) Bernie, MO, Jeanice Tanner (Dale) Williamsville, MO, Andrea Beacham (Larry Loeppke) Alicante, Spain, 6 grandchildren Christopher Miller, Kelli Beacham, Brett Beacham, Katie Beacham, Peyton Beacham, Sara Beacham, and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also pre-deceased by wife Betty Peevyhouse.
He met thousands of people as a greeter at Englewood Baptist Church for over 30 years. He loved to hunt and fish in his youth and early adulthood. He always wanted to be busy making something out of a pile of components, or making something better by repair or restoration. In his “retirement” years, he made wooden clocks of various designs. He loved to use American hardwoods and made forays into the countryside in search of small sawmills to select the finest stock. Ken always enjoyed visiting the farm in Middleton with Betty during their time together. He found it relaxing and peaceful - tending livestock, horseback riding, fishing in the pond or just exploring the countryside. He was known for a warm smile and greeting, whether at the grocery or in line somewhere. Even in retirement, Dad worked part-time with those he considered his extended family at West Tennessee Bone & Joint. He managed to squeeze in a few minutes to drive the back roads of Madison County with the top down in his red convertible.
Like so many other families in 2020, and in consideration for the health of those he counted as friends and extended family, we will conduct a small service for family-only with a livestream for those that cannot attend (see funeral home website for details). Additionally, friends may wish to participate in a “drive-through” celebration under the portico at George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 2812 North Highland, Jackson. Please line up beginning 3 PM, Tuesday, December 15, 2020. Private interment service in Dunklin Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, you may honor Dad with a donation to the charity of your choice.
