Wilbur Alvin Beckwith Jr.

AKA- Beck"

Wilbur A Beckwith, Jr., also known as "W.A." and "Beck", was born in Monroe, Louisiana on March 6th, 1939, the first of four children of Wilbur A Beckwith, Sr. and Monteal Myles Beckwith. He was a graduate of Terzia High School in 1956. He attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science Degree.

Beck entered state service with the Department of Corrections in June 1961 as a correctional officer at the California Correctional institution in Tehachapi, California. He transferred to the California Rehabilitation Center and was involved in the activation of that institution. Beck was a parole agent in several offices in the Los Angeles area. Beck was then promoted to a Special Agent with the Law Enforcement Liaison Unit, aka SSU.

While navigating his career, he met and married Elaine Piernas of New Orleans, Louisiana and together they raised their beautiful children.

Later he became the first Administrative Senior Special Agent for SSU in the Sacramento Headquarters office. He later joined the Department of Youth Authority as the Deputy Director of the Parole Services Branch. Prior to obtaining this distinguished assignment, he was a member of the California Association of Polygraph Examiners and a Certified Rangemaster, which made him an expert in firearms. He later became the Depuy Director of Prevention & Community Corrections Branch. Within the Department of Corrections, he was the Assistant Director of Law Enforcement Liaison/Investigations Unit. He was celebrated by the State of California, Senate Rules Committee Resolution for "Innumerable Professional and Personal Achievements". Beck was a member of the California Corrections Executives Council as a Past Chairman. He also served as a member of the Sacramento Grand Jury.

Beck first retired in 1993. Through his great love of teaching and mentoring others, he taught History and Criminal Justice at Sacramento State University. He later returned to Southern California and became the Warden of the CYA Southern Youth Correctional Reception Center and Clinic in Norwalk. His final retirement led him to Las Vegas, Nevada where enjoyed the Las Vegas heat, regular nights out with friends and family, enjoying each other's company, great meals and the nightlife of Las Vegas. He also enjoyed numerous days on the golf course, where he was able to play a variety of amazing Las Vegas courses and work as the Golf Marshal at Anthem Golf Course.

Along with his amazing career achievements, Beck was extremely active with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, serving as President of the Sacramento Chapter. He greatly enjoyed his time on the Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. He was also proud member of 100 Black Men whose mission was to improve the quality of life within communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities for African Americans.

Mentor and leader to many, he loved his time on the field as a Little League and Soccer coach, a leader for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and volunteer and organizer of numerous school activities; many nights and weekends planning, preparing and participating in the school pancake breakfast and crab feed fundraisers.

Beck is preceded in death by his parents; Wilbur Beckwith Sr. and Monteal Myles Beckwith; brother, John Beckwith Sr. sister Brenda Fullen, and daughter in law Susana Beckwith. He is survived and will always will be cherished, loved and celebrated by his devoted wife, Elaine; his children Lissa Phoenix, Eric Beckwith and Nicole (Brian) Smith; his grandchildren Elijah, Cameron, Mason, Bailey, Riley, Jordan, Zoe, Alexis, Bryce and Dylan; his brother Charles (Eula) Beckwith of New Orleans, LA; his brother-in-law Lynch "LJ" Piernas, who affectionately referred to him as "Honey Beck"; his nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous friends and relatives.