Douglas Branton Beckley

Douglas Branton Beckley passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in Lakeway, Texas with his wife, Gail, at his side. He was born in Blanco, Texas on April 28, 1944 to Robert and Inez Beckley. He and many others were born in the courthouse in Blanco that had been turned into a hospital during WWII; thereafter being called “Courthouse Babies.”

Doug's father always worked for Bell Telephone Company, which eventually brought them to Austin when Doug was in the third grade. He attended Bryker Woods Elementary School, O'Henry Junior High and Austin High, graduating in 1962. Immediately after high school he joined the Army, stationed mostly in Mainz, Germany as a paratrooper. After the Army, Doug went to college, graduating from Southwest Texas State (Texas State) in San Marcos. He then worked for the telephone company, Milstead Supply and over 30 years at Ferguson Enterprises.

Doug's friends always said he was a confirmed bachelor, but at age 37, after 6 years of dating, he married Gail Whitney Beckley, also getting her young son, Ryan, to make him a wonderful family for 39 years.

Doug loved the Lord above all else. He and Gail were members of Oak Hill United Methodist Church for over 30 years, followed by a short move to North Carolina and Mills River UMC and currently, Lake Travis UMC. Doug had been a Methodist all his life, probably on almost every committee, but his heart was in the choir where he had been a member since he was 5 years old.

Doug, Gail and many friends from church traveled all over the world for many years, making countless treasured memories. Doug had walked on the Great Wall of China, held a giant iguana in Costa Rica and floated down the Danube.

Doug is survived by his wife, Gail, and his step-son, Ryan Mathews (Un) of Austin. He is also survived by his brother Robert Beckley (Valerie) of Johnson City and the grown children of his deceased sister, Sharon Heironimus (Jim): Jason, James and Ellen Heironimus and their families, all of Austin.

Doug never wanted a service after he passed away; he just wanted his ashes to be scattered in the Blanco River near where he was born. This will be done at a later date. Gail and Ryan would like to express their appreciation to the heartfelt care that was given to Doug by Dr. Sunil Kolli and the nursing staff on the fifth floor of Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Lakeway.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lake Travis United Methodist Church, 1502 Ranch Road 620N, Lakeway, 78734; Austin Pets Alive, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez, Austin, 78703 or a charity of your choice.