Robert "Bobby Gene" Beck
Robert Eugene Beck, 93, of Dry Fork, VA passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Pittsylvania County, VA on November 19, 1930 to the late Edna Ward Beck and the Late Robert J. Beck. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Anna Lee Prince Beck and by two sisters; Ida Mae Finney and Frances Yeatts.
After graduating from Whitmell Farm-Life School in 1948, Robert enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served two tours-one aboard the USS O’Hare and the other during the Korean War on the USS Chukawan. For his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, a testament to his dedication and bravery.
Throughout his life, Robert worked tirelessly in a variety of roles. He began as a typesetter for the Martinsville Bulletin before transitioning to a supervisor role with Dominion Homes, which led him to establish his own company, Beck’s Construction. He later shared his skills and passion by teaching carpentry at the Pittsylvania Career and Technical Center.
An avid outdoorsman, Robert’s love for hunting, fishing, and canoeing led him to write a popular column for the Martinsville Bulletin, titled “Bob Beck Outdoors.” He also contributed articles to Virginia Wildlife Magazine, sharing his insights and experiences with fellow nature enthusiasts.
Robert was of the Baptist Faith and was a longtime faithful member of Sharon Baptist Church where he served on the board of deacons and taught Sunday School for many years.
Robert is survived by two sons: Danny Lee Beck (Mary) of Blairs, VA and Kelvin E. Beck (Michele) of Dry Fork, VA, three sisters; Dorothy Kidd, Carol McDowell and Emily Hill all of Dry Fork, VA; three brothers; Jeff Beck (Barbara) of Danville, VA, Harvey Beck (Mary Lou) of Dry Fork, VA, and Donald Beck (Steve) of Henderson, NC; six grandchildren; Elisabeth Norris (Beau), Christina Willard (John), Dana Beck, Chris Beck (Angie), Joe Beck (Anne), and Jonathan Beck; nine great grandchildren; Jacob Norris, Riley Norris, Lee Willard, Weston King, Ben Willard, Caroline Beck, Catherine Beck, Finley Beck, and Aidan Beck; and his special caregivers; Karen Hackney and Gloria Starling.
Robert will always be remembered as a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to everyone who knew him.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
A Funeral Service will be held at Sharon Baptist Church, 241 Stony Mill Road, Danville, VA 24540, on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 11:00 am with Mr. Jim Finney and Pastor Ray Lawton officiating. Interment will follow at the Beck family cemetery. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 6-7:30 pm also at Sharon Baptist Church.
Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA is respectfully serving the Beck family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
