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William Gilmore BeckhamROCK HILL - William Gilmore Beckham passed away at Piedmont Medical Center on Friday March 29, 2013. He was born in Lancaster, S.C., to the late George W. and Lois Gilmore Beckham on Oct. 27, 1924. His family later moved to Rock Hill where he attended school. At an early age, he became very involved with airplanes. He later took lessons and soloed at the age of 17 at the old Roddey Airport. After graduating from Rock Hill High School, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Upon completion of his duty, he worked for Celanese Corporation for over 25 years. After retirement, he continued building his one-seater airplane. Upon completion, he flew his plane and decided to donate it to the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, hoping it would encourage other young men to become involved in aviation. Gilmore, having a quick wit, made friends very easily and was a true Southern gentleman. He loved his church, wife, family and friends. Having been a member of St. John's United Methodist Church for over 60 years, he had served as an usher for many years. He was also a Shriner, a Mason and a member of the American Legion. Survivors include his loving wife, Marian Polk Beckham; his sister-in-laws, Gerri Beckham, Betty Bates, Ann Bomar and Linda Grimes; nephews, George Haile, James Haile, Ray Misskelly and Chuck Miller; nieces, Allison Brandt, Susan Hensley, Michelle Gilbert, Rhonda Moore, Della Jones, Sandra Brassington, Brenda Greene, Lori Fuqua, Kimberly Messick and Lisa Flynn. He was predeceased by his siblings, Ned Beckham, Judson Beckham, Martha Lee Haile and Betty Misskelly; and a niece, Melanie Beckham. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at Grandview Memorial Park, 620 Cherry Road, Rock Hill, S.C. Friends will be received after the service at the graveside. Memorials may be made to St. John's United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 149, Rock Hill or to a charity of your choice. Condolences can be registered online at basscares.com. Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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I am so sorry to hear of
Mr Beckham passing. We will be praying for you all. We will miss him coming into longs cleaners
Mary Boatwright
April 7, 2013
Marian,
I am so very sorry to hear about Gilmore. He was such a special person and I will miss seeing him here at the office. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Vicki Keisel
April 5, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dave& Lou Giles
April 4, 2013
Marian, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great person and will surely be missed. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you
Juay Bowers Ferrell
April 4, 2013
Marian, You are in my thoughts and prayers.Charlie was very fond of Gilmore.
Frances Edge
April 3, 2013
Marian, My deepest sympathy to you in your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura Mobley Sandridge
April 3, 2013
Della, I am sorry about Gilmore"s passing. We love you.the Maree's, Frank, Judy,and KalH
April 2, 2013
He was a great friend to my dad and my family. A true gentleman.
Eddie Garrett, Jr
April 2, 2013
I am sorry to hear about Mr. Beckham passing. My Grandfather was Laurence Beckham of York, SC
Scott Hollis
April 2, 2013
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Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home & Cremation Center700 Heckle Blvd., Rock Hill, SC 29732
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