John Dee Beckom

John Dee Beckom, 98, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Coble Creek Healthcare, Piedmont neighborhood at Twin Lakes Community. Through his 98 years of life, John treasured the love of his family, relationships with his friends, and the adventures that the great outdoors offered.
John was born and raised in Alamance County. Shortly after graduating from high school, John joined the United States Army and was Honorably Discharged in November of 1946. After his military service, John was employed with Western Electric until he retired with over 35 years of service.
Retirement offered John the opportunity to do many things he truly loved. John enjoyed bird hunting during season and would organize trips with his hunting buddies at various game lands and farms of friends throughout North Carolina. He walked many miles with his bird dogs and loved every minute of it! Fishing was another of his favorite pastimes. John loved the thrill of hooking a bass or a catfish and was quite the master of reeling in his catch! Johns passion for the outdoors inspired him to help establish the Alamance Wildlife Club, as he was one of the founding members. In his early 60s, John began to really take a liking to the game of golf. Being an athlete with exceptional hand eye coordination, this game was just the medicine John needed to stay active and constantly inspired him to improve on his scores. By his late 70s, John achieved what many golfers set out to do and that was to shoot his age!
John loved to travel, and he looked forward to trips near and far with excitement. John and Martha let no grass grow under their feet as they were active throughout their marriage. They shared every moment possible with family and dear friends, making memories and pursuing all that was "good in life"! John was deeply devoted to his family. He was a calm, gentle spirit of influence in their everyday lives. Whether lending a hand, giving advice or just being a good listener, you could count on John to give you his all and speak from his heart.
John was preceded in death by his parents Thomas O. Beckom and Juanita Sutton Beckom, his brothers O.T. Beckom and Conard Beckom, and his sisters Bernice Cantrell and Betty Satterfield. John was also proceeded in death by his first wife of 31 years Frances Somers Beckom, and most recently by his wife of 37 years Martha Wagoner Ross Beckom. "Papa" John is survived by stepchildren Theresa Lilienthal (Rick), Melinda Bradshaw, and Michael Ross (Terri), step-grandchildren Rick Riley (Chelsea), Michelle R. Richards (Tyler), Hank Lilienthal (Lindsey), Hannah Lilienthal (Chris), Beth McGuire (Todd), Amanda Shoop (David), Taylor R. Lewis (Bryan), and James M. Ross. John is also survived by eleven great grandchildren. Nieces and nephews surviving "Uncle John Dee" are Gaynell Leazer (Harry), Wade Cantrell, Glenn Cantrell (Claudia), Pam Pritchard (Terry), Janet Radford (Gary), and Michael Beckom. John was proceeded in death by his niece Connie Woody (Ken).
A celebration of life for John Dee will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Rich and Thompson Funeral Home in Burlington with visitation from 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. and service at 1:30 p.m. led by Rev. Bob Disher. A graveside dedication with military honors at Alamance Memorial Park will follow the service.
The family would like to thank the Coble Creek staff for their care and dedication to John during his time at the Twin Lakes Community. To the Piedmont neighborhood staff and team of nurses, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. "THE JOHN DEE" was at peace knowing he had those around him that treated him like family. We will be forever grateful to you all!
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made in Johns memory to the Alamance Wildlife Club, Faith Christian Church, or St. Marks Community Church.
Services
Cemetery
Alamance Memorial Park
4039 South Church Street
Burlington, NC 27215 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John, please visit our Tree Store.