William James Beck Jr.

He was born on March 27, 1942, at Christ Hospital, Jersey City, New Jersey. Bill was the first-born child of William James Beck Sr. and Jessie Helen (McEachern) Beck. His siblings Bruce, Lorraine, and Nancy would soon come to fill the Beck home.

Bill’s formative years were primarily spent in Waldwick, New Jersey, where he attended Ramsey High School, ran cross-country, and at thirteen had his first job. On September 7, 1960, along with 3 buddies from high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. After undergoing Naval training at several different locations he took on the role as Cryptologic Technician, specializing in verbal use of the Chinese language. Bill went home to Waldwick briefly at the end of his first tour in the military to live again with his parents and siblings. He decided to reenlist.

In 1965, while stationed at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts he met and married Cecile Alice Kane. The two had three children, Timothy Shawn Beck, Amanda Jean (Beck) Hebden, and Steven William Beck with which they would travel via the US Navy to duty stations in Taiwan, Okinawa, and Ft. Meade, Maryland. In May of 1978, Bill and Cecile divorced.

Bill continued his Naval service for 4 more years in duty stations Korea and Ft Meade, MD. In 1981 while stationed on Ft. Meade, Bill met his soul mate and after just three days proposed to Mary Larraine (Lambert) Beck. He retired from the Navy in 1982 and held the position of Sr Computer Science technician for Computer Sciences Corporation living most of that time in Ellicott City. He and Mary attended Glen Mar United Methodists Church participating in mission work with the most personal being Stephen’s Ministry. Both were very interested in genealogy joining the local and National Genealogical Society. They also helped found the Dream Cruisers PT Cruiser car club enjoying weekends cruising. The two would travel yearly to Bradenton, Florida to visit daughter and son-in-law, Laila and Daryll Wilkerson and their two children Adam and Eric Wilkerson.

In 2006, after 19 years with CSC, Bill retired. He and Mary moved to Williamsburg. They attended Wellspring United Methodist Church where they volunteered in many capacities. Both were on the leadership committee and Stephen’s Minister’s. Mary was in the choir group. Bill was the church historian, homeless mission coordinator and helped in other capacities as needed. Bill was a man of service. On Sunday mornings he and friend, Fred, welcomed worshipers and assisted with other duties as needed. Bill continued his devotion to Wellspring until 2023 when his illness forced him to relinquish those responsibilities.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; his mother, Jessie Beck; his father, William J Beck Sr; his son-in-law, Daryl Wilkerson; and beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Harley. Survivors include son, Steven William Beck; grandson, Dakota William Beck; son, Timothy Shawn Beck; grandson, Ezekiel Choffelle; granddaughter, Amara Lee Beck; daughter, Amanda Jean Hebden; step-daughter, Laila Wilkerson; grandson, Eric Wilkerson; grandson, Adam (Amber) Wilkerson; great-granddaughters, Ava Joy, Aleah Ree and Adalia Ann Wilkerson; brother, Bruce Beck; sister, Lorraine Beck; and sister, Nancy (Mel) Lowman; and his devoted Yorkshire Terrier, Luke.

A celebration of life will be held at Wellspring United Methodist Church, 4871 Longhill Road, Williamsburg on Sunday, September 29, at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Wellspring United Methodist Church feeding the homeless mission and/or The American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/).

Interment will be at Mansion Memorial Park in Ellenton, Florida at a later date. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neslenwilliamsburg.com.