Winnsboro, SC – James Howard Beckham, Sr., finished his earthly race on Tuesday morning, October 11, 2016. Born February 20, 1947, Howard was a son of the late Wallace Dixon and Mary Steadman Beckham. He leaves his wife of 43 years, Barbara Moak Beckham, daughter, Ginny (Russell) Wright of Ridgeway; son, Jamie (Amanda) Beckham of Lexington, sisters Betty (Herbert) Geiger, Margie Coleman; a brother, Connie (Penny) Parker; and five grandchildren, Nicholas Wright, Benjamin Beckham, Hayden Beckham, Abbi Platt, and Riley Beckham. He was predeceased by a brother, Wallace Luther Beckham of Avon, N.C.
Howard graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1965 and worked in the small engine repair and parts industry for many years. He met his wife, Barbara, during the monthly square dances at Upper Richland Community Center in Blythewood. At age forty-five he suffered a major heart infection that led to an aortic valve replacement. Even with health adversities, he was able to return to work and completed his parts career with 20 years of service to the City of Columbia Fleet Division.
Howard loved fishing and hunting, but most all he had a lifelong love of grilling. Many in the community have chatted about the BBQ and hash as he helped son-in-law, Russell, prepare the grills and meat for cookouts and family gatherings. For many years he and the family drove weekends to Chester Motor Speedway where he helped as pit crew for Hungry Hollow Racing and later for son-in-law, Russell’s, 004 Race Team. He never met a stranger and every place he and the family traveled, he ran into someone he knew.
Howard was a charter member of the Blythewood Lions Club, a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and avid NASCAR fan.
The service will be held at 3 o’clock, Friday, October 14th, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 90 Boney Road, Blythewood, SC, with burial to follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 2 o’clock. Serving as pallbearers will be David Stone, Mike Grogan, Steve Turner, Gary Geiger, Gregory Geiger and Robert Jackson. Honorary pallbearers are the Lions of South Carolina. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be directed to the Blythewood Lions Club, PO Box 198, Blythewood, SC, 29016, or Trinity United Methodist Church, PO Box 864, Blythewood, SC, 29016. In his memory, Howard’s family hopes that you crank up the grill, throw on a Boston Butt and enjoy BBQ with friends and family. As it is said throughout his family, “Never Trust a Skinny Cook!” And Howard loved that motto!
Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.
