William Herbert Beckwith Jr.

William Herbert Beckwith Jr. of Auburn, Alabama, passed away October 10, 2026 at home in Columbia with his family at his side. Born in Opelika, Alabama, on December 25, 1952, Brotherman lived a full and meaningful life, one marked by serving others with love, building rich friendships, and sharing an unwavering loyalty to Auburn University.

To all who knew him, he was simply Brotherman.

Brotherman graduated from Auburn High School in 1971 and attended Auburn University for a time. Auburn sports and history were in his blood, and his love for the university remained a lifelong part of who he was.

In 2014, he married Deborah Patterson of Columbia, Missouri, who survives him.

Brotherman’s friends were like the stars in the night sky—too many to count. He had a gift for making friends and making people feel welcome. One of his favorite memories was a fishing and camping trip to Alaska with his friend Carl Hudson. While there, Brotherman became especially creative with new ways to cook salmon—and, as he would have liked it, a bunch of salmon was enjoyed.

Brotherman was an extraordinary chef and loved nothing more than entertaining and feeding the people around him. He barbequed food for friends and family at Auburn University games in the famous K Korner. He was generous with his cooking, often sharing food with the press box newscasters and even, at times, the opposing team. His food brought people together, just as his friendship did.

Even when Auburn played away games, people would stop Brotherman to visit, catch up, and share a few moments with him. He was a familiar and beloved presence wherever Auburn took him.

Brotherman worked in horticulture and landscaping services. He never met a plant he didn’t like and took great pride in his beautiful vegetable garden. He freely shared the produce he grew with others, finding joy in giving as much as he did in growing.

He enjoyed whitewater kayaking, listening to live music, and fishing—especially with his friend Tony Brook (Yve).

Brotherman lived a life filled with friendship, generosity, laughter, food, family, Auburn, and a genuine love for the people and things that brought him joy. He will be remembered not only for the things he did, but for the people he welcomed, the meals he shared, the friendships he treasured, and the many lives he touched along the way.

Brotherman was preceded in death by his mother, Anne Bailey Beckwith; his father, William Beckwith Sr.; his brother, Thomas Joseph Beckwith; his niece, Merrill Jordan; his stepmother, Marge Beckwith; Debra Bolton, mother of his children; and his cousin, Barbara Vaughn.

He leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, Deborah Patterson; his daughter, Ashley Conway of Auburn; his son, Brett Beckwith (Sherree) of Owensboro, Kentucky; and his grandchildren, Derrick Conway, Alicia Conway, Alaya Edwards, Alana Edwards, William Beckwith II, Danielle Beckwith, and Logan Harper. He was also blessed with two great-grandsons, Dexter and Vaden Conway.

He will also be deeply missed by his sister-in-law, Lee Dyas Beckwith; niece Bailey Divers (Will); and his favorite cousins, Pat Giddens, Karen Barber (Wally), Michael Vaughn (Angela), and Gordon Beckwith (Rena); as well as his stepsister, Ann Gordon (Rusty), and stepbrothers David Clay (Sandra) and Bill Clay (Susan).

Brotherman’s wishes were to be cremated and returned to Auburn. A celebration of his life in Auburn will be announced at a later date.

Fly high, Brotherman.

WAR EAGLE!