Robert L. Beck Sr, 82, passed away on Sunday, April 3rd surrounded by his family. Robert grew up in Bridgeport, Alabama but called Chattanooga his home for the past 52 years. Robert was a graduate of Covenant College and retired from Tennessee Valley Authority after 34 years. He began his TVA career as the first Abstractor hired in the Land Branch and ended his career as Supervisor of Mail Services.
Robert developed a love for trains as a young boy,spending his time at the train depot in Bridgeport. He became a member of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and helped with locomotive restoration, equipment procurement, and promotion of the museum and its mission. He was a licensed engineer and loved operating the steam and diesel engines for TVRM. Some of his childrens’ fondest memories were spending time with him on the engines, shoveling coal and blowing the whistles. Robert served on the Board of Directors and was Treasurer for many years.
Robert loved being on the water with his family and friends. He taught countless people to water ski and was quite the trick skier. You would always see him skiing with kids on his shoulders. Robert was “the man” when it came to giving innertube rides! Many a scream, laugh, scratch, bruise or loose tooth could be attributed to those rides!
Most of all, Robert loved his family. Mary, his devoted wife of 53 years, was his constant companion and caretaker. They loved watching Alabama football, working in the yard, playing cards, vacationing with friends, and spending time with their sweet dog, Annie. Robert was always his children’s biggest fan! He never missed their games, programs or events. His rally yell of “Hey, Hey, Hey, Hey” could always be heard.
His daughters, Kim (John) Sisk and Susan (fiance Gary Baily) Davis, and his son, Robert “Bobby”(Andrea) Beck will miss him so much and are glad they have many fun, crazy, sweet memories of him that they can share with his grandchildren. Grandpops loved his grandkids and loved to brag about them to anyone who would listen. Oliva and Caroline Sisk, Finch, Wils and Hunter Davis, Hardin, Wesley and Avery Beck will miss him so much! They promise to carry on his shenanigans and love of fireworks to the best of their abilities.
Robert is survived by his sister Ernestine Raulston and his brother David (Coreen) Beck and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Bedford Beck, Sr; and Velma Parton Beck, and two brothers, John Bedford Beck, Jr and Tom Beck.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 30th from 1-3 pm EDT. with a Celebration of Life immediately following visitation.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
