Drew Whitney Becker

Virginia Beach - The boy with the perfect smile, Drew Whitney Becker of Virginia Beach left this world on May 29, 2015 in Florence, SC. He was born in Virginia Beach, November 20, 1982. Survived by his loving parents Albert and Denise; his brothers Travis and Ian, and his sisters Channing and Hayley, as well as three nieces, two nephews, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Drew loved the outdoors and his siblings. He had 2 older brothers to look up to and 2 younger sisters to look out for. Gifted and talented, he played the piano at age 4 and continued his musical talent through his whole life. One of his favorite pieces to entertain friends and family was Fur Elise. Artistically gifted, he drew portraits at age 6. Throughout elementary school, he attended Old Donation Center for the gifted. Advanced in outdoor survival skills, he joined BSA Troop 364 for just a short time. By age 16, the guitar became second nature to him; a song that stood out among all others was his version of 'Classical Gas' by Mason Williams.

Attending Bayside High School, he ran cross country, track and swam. After graduation, he worked at Graphics-To-Go, where he was admirably mentored for 4 years. He served in the US Army as a Staff Sergeant Combat Medic for 6 years deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. While in the Army, Drew began Tango lessons which continued through life. Intellectually driven and curious he became a licensed massage therapist and acquired his small-aircraft Pilot's License. May 2014 he graduated from the University of South Carolina earning a B.S in Chemistry, Cum Laude, and a minor in Mandarin Chinese. He loved his first professional job working for IRIX Pharmaceuticals. Drew was well-liked and highly regarded among his coworkers. He was a teacher and mentor-a smiling face and a friend to all.

A member of Haygood United Methodist Church, he participated in the Youth Group, Drama, and the Appalachian Service Project. Drew's Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, June 9 at 2:00 p.m., Haygood United Methodist Church, 4713 Haygood Rd, Virginia Beach, 23455. Reception to follow at the Becker home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations, in memory of Drew, to Haygood United Methodist Church or USC Educational Foundation c/o Virginia Rogers, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jun. 7, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Drew Becker

Sponsored by the family.

60 Entries

Renee Shaffer

June 2, 2020

I think about you often and miss you. Our talks about life and purpose. You were like the son I never had and I know that slightly embarrassed you when I said it! Smile my friend.

Tim Myers

June 1, 2020

Al and my friend Dee,
I am sorry for the pain from your loss. I hope it is somewhat better with time. It is so sad to lose a child.
Strength and prayers to boost your fortitude at this time.

Tim Myers

Crystal Warlick

July 8, 2019

I miss you EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Taken in FOB Loyalty, Baghdad Iraq on 28 July 2007

John Sutter

April 21, 2017

Taken at Fort Bragg at Sicily DZ on 22 Sep 2006

John Sutter

April 21, 2017

John Sutter

April 21, 2017

If a picture is worth a 1000 words then these pics need no explanation.

John Sutter

April 21, 2017

Missing a Brother. Our family is Catholic, and being an 82nd family we did not have to look very hard to find other Catholics. When the time came to choose God parents for our children we asked 2 awesome individuals. We asked Matt Gotthardt for our son Jimmy, and we asked Drew Becker for our daughter Sydney. Matt we love you brother and don't ever forget how important you are to our family. Drew we miss you Brother, and take comfort in knowing that you'll be their to greet us on the other side when our time is up. Sydney will be 17 in a couple days, and she is happy and healthy. Our heart strings may be pulled but I know the good die young. You were among the best of us brother.

A D

June 8, 2016

One the best men I ever had the honor to know and serve with. He only cared about the character of the person he was walking with and it was this attitude that permetated the entire 1-504th PIR. He was truly the best of us.

Godspeed Beck. You place at Saint Michael's side is more than well earned, it is your legacy.

-someone that served with him

Cherlene Sutter

May 18, 2016

To the Becker Family,

My heart and prayers go out to you all. Drew was a wonderful friend to our family. He used to come to our house when the guys were home at Fort Bragg and spent time with our family and played with our kids. He was always happy and we loved having him around. He became like part of our family. He will forever be missed.

Sean Murphy

May 17, 2016

Dear Becker family: Drew was one of my medics at 1-504 PIR. We found out yesterday that he had passed away. Below you'll find some thoughts I wrote this morning. I thought you should know what your son, brother, uncle meant to those of us who went to war with him. It is strange and wonderful that as adults we can share our lives in a way that we remain knit even after losing touch for years. Becker left humanity better than he found it, and brought depth to my life I'm sure he didn't realize. True to form, many of his friends were unaware that he slipped away, but we are acutely aware of the hole he leaves behind. Becker was one of the kindest, hardest working, most dedicated men I have had the pleasure to know. He was the kind of soldier who would anticipate problems and plan for obstacles; when he needed guidance as a subordinate leader, it was almost guaranteed that he had worked a situation to the limit of his experience and capacity. Far more often than not, Becker needed left and right limits because he so easily would have burned himself out trying to accomplish everything he was so capable of. More personally, he was a complicated man with exceptional talents. We became close in Baghdad, and I'll cherish his friendship for life. He challenged me to be a better leader, Soldier, and man, and I hope his lessons held. "Hey Jude" will never sound the same.

Vinnie Occhiena

May 16, 2016

Great sadness fell upon me to hear this. You were a great guy and a great Soldier.

Brad Smith

May 16, 2016

To the Becker Family. I was fortunate to have served with Drew in the 82nd ABN DIV. Drew was exactly how you described him. I always thought of him as a true "Renaisance Man." He was one of the kindest and most intelligent people I have ever met. Drew was a great NCO and Medic. I was lucky to have him in two of the Squads I was in charge of. He was a natural leader and one of those guys you knew you could always count on. No matter how difficult the situation or how long we were in the field you could always look over at Drew and see a big grin on his face. He seemed to bring levity to the situation and always made me realize that it wasn't really that bad. I am sorry for your family's loss. I'm going to miss him.

Sean Sylvia

May 16, 2016

I served with Drew from 2004-2008 time frame. He was a great guy excellent soldier and a good friend. We went our separate ways after he ETS'd but I always tried to find him after he left. I found him today. Rest in Peace Brother.

July 1, 2015

Al and Denise, So sorry to hear of the tragic loss of one of the great members of Team Becker. Life is uncertain at best and the loss a child drives home that point. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers. Peace. R/Jack Menendez and family

Sabrina Monsanto

June 24, 2015

To the family of my dear former massage therapy alumni, Drew! May you find peace in the memory of his infectious smile. PRAYING FOR YOUR STRENGTH AND UNDERSTANDING. ..

June 23, 2015

The Becker family- my heart goes out to you for your loss. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. He was such a special young man with so many gifts to offer the world.
My heart is broken. He was like a son that I never had. It was a pleasure teaching him massage therapy and seeing how he progressed through life. I will always miss our talks.
Renee Shaffer

June 15, 2015

Drew was a joy to talk with whenever he stopped by my office in the department of chemistry and biochemistry. It was a joy to see him so very proud of his accomplishments in the department. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Renee McGinnis

chad myers

June 14, 2015

Didn't know you, or your son. He sure packed alot of life, in a short time. What an accomplished life. Peace and Blessings. May Gods comfort be with you

June 11, 2015

Al, Denise, and family- Our condolences and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. John and Patty Timmerman

June 11, 2015

Dear Denise,
I am so sorry to hear about Drew. Your message detailing his life and talents was wonderful. What a loss to you and all who knew him.

My heart goes out to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Suzanne and Steve

Christine Fletcher Webb

June 11, 2015

Thinking of the family and Drew's friends and coworkers during this time of grief. Take heart in the song lyrics Heather sang. "His chains are broken" and he is playing the piano and dancing in heaven. Yes, missing him will be something awful to live with each day, but know his spirit lives on as you share memories of him together. May God hold you in the palm of His hand and bring you comfort. From first hand experience, grief is a journey, so allow the time needed and may God continue to give you strength.

Randy and Dani Goodman

June 11, 2015

Al, Denise and family,
Please accept our condolences on your loss.
No words will do justice.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

June 10, 2015

Denise, Al, and family -
I can not begin to fathom the pain and grief you are all going through. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family at this time. May the love of your family and friends carry you through this difficult time.
Much Love, Vicki, Britt, and Alysa Timmerman

June 10, 2015

Drew packed a lot of living into a short but full life. He can never be truly gone as long as he is remembered.
Rick and Sandy Woolard

Mira Johnson

June 9, 2015

"Those we love don't go away,they walk beside us everyday.....unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear." R.I.P. DREW. Our thoughts and prayers are with your parents and siblings at this difficult time.
-Mira Johnson

Tim Myers

June 9, 2015

Al and Dee. Words are not enough to express my sorrow and sympathy. Hang in there my friends.

John Anderson

June 9, 2015

Al and Denise,
Please accept our deepest condolences. We just found out through the UDT/SEAL email, otherwise we would have been there. Please let us know if we can be of any help. We are thinking of you, my brother.
JB and Pam

June 9, 2015

Al and Denise, our deepest condolences on your loss.

George and Jennifer Coleman

Larry Lasky

June 9, 2015

Stacy and I send our deepest sympathies to you and your family Al. The loss of Drew was both tragic and untimely and I'm sure your world is a little less bright. Please try to relish in your memories of him and with the lords help, your pain will hopefully diminish.

June 9, 2015

Dear Al and Denise,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son, Drew. I hope you will take heart in the faith that he is now in eternal happiness with the Lord. My most sincere condolences to you and your entire family.

Tom Campbell

Randy Albracht

June 9, 2015

Al, Denise and the entire Becker family my heart goes out to you for your loss. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.

June 9, 2015

Albert and Denise, so sorry for your great loss.
Your old friend Jim Fricks

Ed Balaban

June 9, 2015

Sincerest condolences. Keeping the Becker family in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathies.

John Wrenn

June 9, 2015

Al and Denise, my condolences to you and the family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers be with you.

June 9, 2015

Dear Al and Denise,
Words seem so inadequate, but please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your son. The loss of a child is like no other. Now and forever may the wonderful time you had with your son also bring you and your family tears of joy. Your Teammate, Bill Cheatham-Reed

Amber Glaz

June 9, 2015

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. God bless you all during this time of grief.

Visiting my Baby girl, Vanessa

William

June 9, 2015

My heart felt sorrow go's out to the family, and I understand the pain and sorrow that you fill. I lost my youngest daughter at the age of 16 a year and a half ago. I wish I could tell you that it will be all wright but I would be lying. All I can say is just take it one day at a time, and thank God for the time you had with him.You have to just go on with life, because time stops for no one. Just try to stay busy to keep your mind focused on other things so not to let your lost eat you alive. We always think that we are suppose to go before our children, But only God knows why this happens. You will know why he left y'all so soon, Because God has a plan. Just keep your faith in God and he will get you through this, I know. You will go through a lot of different emotions through out the first year, But you will find that you will cry less and laugh more as you remember his life. It never gets better, but it gets manageable. If there is ever anything I can do, Fill free to call me and we can talk and support each other. Give everyone my heart felt love to all. God Bless your family and friends!! May God embrace your son. Love the Farinas Family.

Dave and Cheri Bollmann and family

June 9, 2015

Al and Denise,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We are are keeping everyone in our prayers.

Mike Gaspar

June 9, 2015

Al and Denise,

I was saddened to hear about your loss.....I cannot even begin to feel your pain. However, You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers always!

Brian Lippe

June 9, 2015

To the Becker family, my deepest condolences. I didn't know your son but he sounds like a great guy and I'm sorry for your loss.

Kendall Jenkins-Shuffler

June 9, 2015

I am so saddened to hear of Drew's passing, but know that his life will always be celebrated and remembered as one who made others smile. Thinking of you during this time and in the days ahead. May God's peace be with all of you.

Dawn Winn-Sawyer

June 9, 2015

I am so sad to hear this news. I have wonderful memories of Drew in fifth grade! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Michelle Thomas

June 9, 2015

To the family of Drew: You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Drew was my friend as well as my coworker, and he is greatly missed.

Patty Armstrong

June 9, 2015

Denise - I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family, I will keep you in my prayers and heart.

William Rabchenia

June 9, 2015

My strongest condolences I've known Drew from the neighborhood

June 8, 2015

Dearest family of Drew,

We send our deepest condolences to you all from his friends at Emerald Ballroom in Columbia, South Carolina. We are all broken-hearted about the death of your beautiful and beloved son and sibling, and our friend. He was indeed the man with the perfect smile, a genteel spirit, a talented artist, pianist, and tango dancer, and a passionate researcher. What a gift he was to this world. We will remember him for his kindness, compassion, wit, talent, grace, charm, service, and intellect. We send you our deepest sympathies. He will always live in our hearts in the cherished memories we have of our times with him.

With love,

Melissa Bartlett

Debi Dorn

June 8, 2015

Denise...my deepest condolences on the loss of your son Drew. May your beautiful memories sustain and comfort you. I am so very sorry. I will hold you and your family close to my heart and keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

June 8, 2015

So sorry to hear of Drew's passing. Our thought and prayers are with you all, The Settlemyer Family

Miriam Swiler

June 8, 2015

My thoughts, love and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. He was a special young man and I, along with his entire " IRIX Family" will miss him greatly.

June 8, 2015

I'm thinking of Al and family through this difficult time. Sending hugs and warm thoughts from Abu Dhabi!
Lucille and Doug Smith

Jane Barsumian

June 8, 2015

Words fail; yet, I want the family to know you are all in my prayers and thoughts. Such a devastating loss to you all...and, really, to the whole world.

Joe Rovira

June 8, 2015

Denise,

My thougths and prayers are with you and yours.

Joe

June 8, 2015

Love to you all.
Lynn

Aaron Stemphoski

June 8, 2015

Words do not begin to describe the kind of person Drew was. He was the best that I'd ever seen on the job. He grasped concepts so quickly and naturally. He will never be forgotten. God's received a very special person

Mary Waite

June 7, 2015

Thinking of you Drew!!! Thinking of the Family during this time with Love and hugs! Cousin Mary

Kayla Iorga

June 7, 2015

I am sad that I did not get to know you better. I will greatly miss our random encounters in hallway and your smile.

Regina Timmermann-Levanas

June 7, 2015

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear.

June 7, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the Becker family. Drew was so very special and amazing. A life to young to venture away from this world. Leeann Rabchenia

June 7, 2015

Denise, my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family! I know what it's like to lose a son and although it doesn't seem like it right now, your friends and family will help you all make it through this incomprehensible devistation. I will be one of those friends....Sending you strength and love! ~ Shawn Walker

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