Charles E. Beckwith

Charles E. Beckwith, lately of Rocky Mount, Virginia, passed away quietly at home on October 26th. His daughters were by his side. He was born to Charles E. Beckwith and Genevieve Luck Beckwith on March 12th, 1934 in Roanoke, Virginia.

A devoted husband, son, father, grandfather and great grandfather, a devout Christian, and friend of the Rocky Mount community. He was known to always have the time to sit down and talk. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was known not only for his personal integrity and generosity but also for his love of nature. He was very fond of taking his children hiking and camping and teaching them about natural science. He was an amateur cartographer and an accomplished macrame artist.

Charles was a telephone man throughout his working years and loved all things regarding communication technology. He held ham radio call sign K4BSF and kept a map in his ham shack of the contacts he had made worldwide.

In addition to his professional accomplishments and love of nature, Charles was a pillar of strength, care and dedication to his family. He lovingly cared for his mother Genevieve, demonstrating a depth of compassion and duty to her, especially later in her life. His dedication extended to his wife Barbara, whom he supported and cherished throughout their life together.

He was a key member of the Church of Christ congregations he shared communion with and was an able witness for Christ. He always ended prayers with asking protection for the little ones, in Jesus’ name.

He is survived by his daughter Lauren Grimes of Rocky Mount; daughter Susan Ghabra and her husband John Ghabra of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; son Andrew Beckwith of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; son Steven Beckwith and his wife Kim Orr of Osprey, Florida. Brother George Beckwith and his wife Betty Beckwith of Montvale; Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law Lynwood and Carol Dent of Lexington; Grandchildren Sara Beckwith-Bachand, Hannah Beckwith, Rachel Beckwith, Rae Beckwith, Amanda Grimes, Austin Grimes, Connor Ghabra, Ethan Ghabra, Samantha Ghabra and great-grandchildren Ian Bachand, Julia Augustyn, and Dallas Augustyn.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 4th at 1 p.m. at Flora Funeral Chapel with Rick Poland officiating. Inurnment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. The family will receive friends beginning at 12 noon at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center Rocky Mount.