Bruce B. Beckwith

Bruce was born, April 28, 1935 in Buffalo New York, the only child of Madison and Eleanor Beckwith.

He graduated from Friends Central High School in Winwood, PA in 1953. He briefly attended Penn State before joining the United States Marine Corps in September of 1954, becoming an aerial photographer. After the Marines, Bruce moved to Richmond, VA where he worked in sales for General Motors, AC Delco Division and met and married Rebecca Kindley, with whom he had three children.

The family moved to Daytona Beach in 1967 where Bruce purchased a small motel, "Pelican Shoals", which the family operated until 1979. In 1968, Bruce became a member of the Daytona Beach Shores Fire Department when a hardware store across the street from the motel exploded. First serving as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, ultimately becoming the Chief of the Department in 1984. He retired from the department in 1997 and went on to become EMS Director at Daytona International Speedway. Bruce was a thoughtful leader, progressive in thinking, and well respected amongst his peers.

Bruce was a certified car nut, owning and racing many cars that today would be considered absolute collectors items. His favorite was his 1955 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider prototype he raced in the SCCA, now part of the Rothman's Collection. He was a crafty soul, a jack of all trades, and a master of many. He poured concrete professionally, built his own houses, fixed his own cars, had every tool and knew how to use them, and still ended up with most of his fingers.

Bruce remarried in 1990 to his love Margaret Mary Wines (Peggy). They custom built their present day home in Orange City together, blending their families into the group they are today. Bruce and Peggy loved Disney, traveling together, and spending time with their kids and grandkids. At home, his happy place was the garage, Florida heat and humidity be dammed. He could sit out there all day watching black and white cowboy movies and eating oatmeal pies. Bruce often described his life as "Great and Full" disclaiming "At least I think it has been!"

Bruce will be lovingly remembered by his wife Peggy Beckwith, Daughters; Susan Beckwith, Tina Wines, Patti Doud (Mark), Sons; Daniel Beckwith (Nicole), Brian Beckwith (LeeNa), Bobby Wines (Sandi), and Eric Wines (Jennifer), Donnie Wines (Geri). Grand children; Daniel Bailey Wines, Nicholas Beckwith (Kate), Emily Beckwith, Dany Beckwith (Eden), Kaitlynn Wines (Lawson), Robert Bo Wines, Bradley Beckwith, Jack Wines, Gia Wines, Tate Wines, Brynne Beckwith, great grandchildren, Sutton and Claire, and his faithful dog Biscut. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, Rebecca Beckwith and Grandson Daniel Bailey Wines.

Visitation will be 10 AM to 12PM on Sunday, January 16th 2022 at Deltona Memorial Funeral Home. The celebration of life will follow at 12 PM. Memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Halifax Hospice through the donation portal at halifaxhealth.org or the Alzheimer's Association. act.alz.org/donate