William "Bill" Beckmann

William “Bill” Beckmann passed away on October 6, 2026, at the age of 80, at Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center. Born on September 5, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York, Bill lived a life defined by hard work, determination, faith, and above all, his unwavering love for his family.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Bill maintained a strong belief in God throughout his life. He was a man of strong principles who always believed in doing what was right. Known for his remarkable intelligence and sharp mind, Bill took great pride in everything he did. He proudly served three years in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War era. During his service, he received communications training in California, where he graduated at the top of his class, before being assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. Following his military service, Bill went on to build a successful career in the banking and brokerage industry on Wall Street in New York, working as a systems analysis manager until his retirement.

During his time stationed in Washington, D.C., Bill met the love of his life, Vivian, while bar hopping on 14th Street. What started as a chance meeting became the beginning of 59 years of marriage. Throughout those years, they built a life together filled with love, laughter, and priceless memories. As they always liked to joke, they spent 59 years “annoying each other,” but there was never any doubt about the love they had for one another.

From a young age, Bill had a love for the outdoors. Growing up, he enjoyed hunting with his father and brothers and later continued that tradition with his nephews. However, his two favorite things were fishing and golfing. His love for golf began at the age of 13, when he started playing with his father, affectionately known as Poppy. What began as rounds of golf together turned into a lifelong friendly competition between the two. Poppy even kept every coin he won in a jar and would shake it at Bill as a reminder of just how much he had lost. Knowing the two of them, we are certain they already have a tee time set up in heaven, ready to pick up right where their competition left off.

Throughout his life, Bill enjoyed countless rounds of golf with his dear friends, the Harts, Macdonalds, and Millers, creating memories he truly cherished. He loved golf so much that if he wasn't out on the course, there was a good chance he was at home watching it on television. He especially loved sharing his hobbies with his nephews, God-daughter, great-niece, and great-nephews, whether that meant spending the day fishing or enjoying a round of golf together. Of course, he never missed an opportunity to give them a hard time about their golf swings. Over the years, he passed down his love for fishing and golf, along with memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

One of Bill's favorite golfing partners was his wife, Vivian. The two were always trying to beat each other, although it wasn't very often that Bill lost. Of course, when he won, he always made sure Vivian didn't forget it. While he certainly enjoyed winning, what mattered most was getting to spend time doing something he loved with the woman he loved more than anything.

As much as Bill loved fishing and golfing, spending time with his family was what mattered most to him. Whether it was getting together for dinner, visiting during the holidays, or simply sitting around talking, he loved being surrounded by the people who meant so much to him. He also absolutely adored his two dogs, Ari (Aristotle) and Baggins, who meant the world to him and were more than just pets; they were family.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Frederick Beckmann and Mildred McCardell; his brother, John Beckmann; his mother-in-law Betty Wilson; and his father-in-law Lenwood Wilson; his brother-in-law, Michael “Papa” Wilson; and his sister-in-law, Joann Wilson.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 59 years, Vivian Beckmann; his brother, Bob (Loretta) Beckmann; his nephew, Robert Beckmann; his niece, Jessica (Matthew) White, and their children, Avelyn, James, Henry, Elanor, and Peter; his niece, Kate Beckmann, and her son, Oliver; his nephew, Clint Collins, and his daughter, Ansley Collins; his nephew, Andy (Amy) Wilson, and their sons, Jackson and Mason; and his goddaughter, Jodey (Shaun) Cashman, and their daughters, Lily and Holly. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Ari (Aristotle) and Baggins.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Bill's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Andrews Hampstead Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bill’s memory to All Saints Catholic Church or K9s For Warriors or Share the Table food bank, organizations that reflect his faith and love for animals.

Bill will be remembered for the love he had for his wife and family, his faith, his remarkable intelligence, his sense of humor, and the memories he made with the people closest to him. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and traditions that his family will continue to share for years to come. Although life will not be the same without him, the things he loved will always remind his family of him. Whether it's a fishing trip, a round of golf, or simply being together, his memory will always be a part of those moments. And for those who knew him best, we now have personal confirmation that there is golf in heaven. We find comfort in knowing he is reunited with loved ones and doing the things he loved the most.