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William Beckham Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of William "Bill" Beckham. Bill peacefully passed away on November 27, 2017 in Honolulu, Hawaii surrounded by family.
Born and raised in Toledo, Bill was an active community member for 70 years. A Start High School and University of Toledo graduate, he owned and operated many Toledo business staples, including Red Baron arcades and Miss Cue Billiards and Darts, to name a few. Outside the love of family, his biggest passion was girls' and women's sports and how involvement in athletics improves self-confidence and pride. For the last 15 years, he ran the family-focused Fastpitch Showdowns, a series of softball tournaments that host thousands of female athletes and their families every summer.
He will forever be idolized by his grandchildren, Samantha, Addison and soon-to-be-born Baby Boy Beckham, adored by his daughters Ashlie (wife Lacey) and Mandy Summers (husband Jeff), and cherished by the love of his life Maryann, wife of almost 50 years.
Because Bill wished to donate his body to the organ transplant program and the John A. Burns School of Medicine, there will not be an immediate service. A celebration of Bill's life will be held in Spring 2018. Contributions in honor of Bill can be made to the Queen's Medical Center Neuroscience Institute, the Women's Sports Foundation or a charity of your choice. If you would like to be notified when the celebration details are finalized and/or send a message to the family, please email [email protected].
Until then, follow Bill's guide to life. Love your family with every ounce of your being. Laugh a lot. Live a lot. Take risks. And always, always stop for ice cream.
View the online memorial for William "Bill" Beckham
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Memories and Condolences
for William Beckham
John Dugas
December 1, 2023
You will be forever missed my old friend
Toby hansen
October 12, 2022
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
April 8, 2020
My deepest sympathies to Mary and Bill's girls. He was a very special man and I admired him very much. I hope the warm memories you have of this good man will keep you in peace in the years to come.
Anne Scully
July 20, 2019
My wife and I just learned of the passing of Bill. We are so saddened by this news. We did not know Bill or his family personally, but had rented their condominium at the Whaler in Maui a few times, and sort of felt as though we knew him. We're sorry that we did not have the chance to meet him in person. If we have the opportunity to stay there again, we will throw a lei in the ocean in his memory.
Maryann, if you or your daughters ever get to Mill Valley, please look us up. We'd love to meet you. [email protected].
Anne
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Deb Cook & Rosenbaum
January 30, 2018
Maryann, Ashley and Mandy. We were sad to hear of Bill's passing. We consider ourselves so lucky to have spent the time we did with Bill and your family. Summer softball tournaments at Berliner have been the best. The Two Debs.
Patty (Douglas) Radabaugh
January 14, 2018
Maryann, we are so shocked and saddened to learn of Bill's passing. He was the essence of perpetual joy ... he made everyone better just by being around him. Please, know that you are deep in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
Derek Slane
December 16, 2017
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of a Bill Beckham. I will never forget the smile Bill had on his face everyday. Bill taught me to love everyone no matter what. So sorry for your loss. May Bill forever Rest In Peace.
Ronald Bradshaw III
December 13, 2017
I had the pleasure of meeting Bill many years ago when I was in food sales servicing the miss cue locations . Once I realized he was the owner of the arcades I shared this story- that i now want to share with his family . My parents separated when I was 12 and it was a very unhappy time for myself and my 10yr old brother. Although my dad was around when my parents were together we never spent any real time with him so when court ordered visitations were ordered on Thursday's and Saturday's there was a rough transition . Enter the Red Baron arcade at southwyck mall . Every Thursday night became Red Baron night , my brother and I each were giving 5 dollars and off we went to play games and forget a little bit about our sadness with our family upheaval . This time also allowed my dad to hang around us in our environment and eventually we got more comfortable taking and being together . It never occurred to me at the time but once I met bill it became obvious that he had created the business not just to support himself and his family but also to be a place where kids and adults could go to forget life's little issues and maybe like in my case bond a little with there dad. As I type this tears come to my eyes for the world can never have enough guys like bill in it - I simply hope this story let's his family know that he will be missed and I was better for knowing him .
Beth and Carlo And your friends at Traveling Teams
December 13, 2017
Mr. Bill, you will always be remembered as a sincere friend, with a kind and honest heart. We appreciate your dedication to helping others shine their brightest. It has been our privilege to know you and work with you. We will miss you and think of you with a smile in our hearts whenever we share Gelato.
Ash and Maryann, our sincerest sympathy to you and your family. May your hearts be warm and at peace, with joyful memories of your beautiful father and husband this holiday season.
December 12, 2017
Really love all the work he did for the softball community in running tourney's here in Ohio. He will be missed ! Our prayers to all of his family and friends! Godspeed Bill!
MVXpress Elite Red
Coach Doug Paulick
Scott Sheridan
December 11, 2017
Thanks for being a friend! You helped me a lot turning my hobby and passion for Pinball into a career. LuvYa! You will be missed. "DrScott" Sheridan
December 11, 2017
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Bill.May you find comfort in knowing that God is there to sustain and comfort you at this time of great loss.
Dorrin Birch, M.D.
December 10, 2017
I met Bill several years ago at the "Furball," a charity event sponsored by the Toledo Humane Society, when I won the live auction for a vacation in Maui. I must admit that I don't remember well most people I meet casually after many years have passed, but I do remember Bill. He was a memorable individual, a true gentleman, pleasant and kind with a winning smile. I am so sorry to learn of his "too soon" passing. I know Bill will be greatly missed.
Kerry Cameron
December 10, 2017
Beautifully written and truly captures the true essence of Mr. Beckham. He was so full of life, the happiest person in the room, and his light and zest for life was infectious to all those around him. What a wonderful man. Prayers and hugs to the entire Beckham family.
Paul Drake III
December 9, 2017
Maryann, Ash, I am saddened on Bill's passing. He was a great man. I never heard him say anything negative. It was amazing to go to one of his Softball Tournants in Columbus and see all the teams playing 200 plus teams. AMAZING! Bill took great care of the Umpires at these Tournaments on and off the field. I no I will miss him along with many, many, many Umpires.
Dan & Amy Martin
December 9, 2017
We would not be where we are today without Bill. He was our mentor, our friend and a great man. We cannot imagine our world without him in it. Thank you, Bill, for everything you have done for us over the years. We love you so much.
Maryann and family, please accept our sincerest condolences. We are so thankful that we were able to have a part of him in our lives.
Greg
December 8, 2017
The (My) world is a different place without Bill in it. His laugh, his joking, his kindness. I'll never meet another person like him as long as I live. I will miss my good friend forever.
Kathy Woodward
December 8, 2017
Maryann, Ashley and Mandy - my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill and Sandy Lefevre
December 8, 2017
Our sincere condolences to Maryann, Ashlie, Mandy, and to all of the Beckham family.
Erica Haase (Gluth)
December 8, 2017
He was an amazing person and a wonderful softball coach to me in elementary school. I am so sorry for such a difficult loss - he was a great person. Many prayers to the family!!
Michelle Ripperger
December 8, 2017
Cincy Slammers Fastpitch send their deepest sympathy and condolence to the Beckham Family and FastpitchShowdowns. Bill was a great man truly dedicated to the development of young girls/women in the softball community. He will be missed but never forgotten. Thank you for all you have done for us Bill. We know you will be watching over all the events and cheering us on.
Jason Minear
December 8, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Beckham Family. We will miss Bill for our annual visits to Columbus. -
Jason Minear, Pittsburgh Lady Roadrunners Softball
December 8, 2017
We were one of the many sets of parents that benefited from our daughter being coached by Bill. With a group of coaches like Bill,Tom Denman, Bill Squire and the late Ralph Kreidel our daughters learned that hard work, personal responsibility, team work could all be accomplished in a fun, lively, spirited manner. Our condolences to Bill's family.
Jennifer and Bob Wadas
December 8, 2017
Dear Maryann,
My heart breaks for you and your loss of Your Bill. We had oh so much fun when we were in our youth. I remember your wedding and even took pictures. I know that everytime Bill looked at you his eyes were like diamonds and his smile for you was absolutely wonderful. You had the love your and my parents had and you have been so blessed. Prayers for you and your family to make it through this loss. I do agree with Bill and his life motto, especially when he said to, "always stop for ice cream" and so goes "Chilly Willie". Much love to you my friend. Linda Beavers
Scott and Laura Woodruff
December 8, 2017
We were so surprised when we heard this news and it immediately triggered so many wonderful memories of Bill and his beautiful family. Bill was always so happy and positive and his joy for life was his most infectious quality. We first met the Beckham family as opponents on the softball field over 30 years ago which grew into a friendship between our two families. To Maryann, Mandy and Ash and your entire family please know that we are thinking about you during this difficult time and it was truly a privilege to have known Bill and to have been able to call him a friend. Love, Scott and Laura
Christy Johnson (Reinbolt)
December 8, 2017
Sending love and prayers of peace and comfort to your family. Bill's memories and passion to always do your best in everything in life will resonate with me forever. And especially all the laughs and ice cream stops we had.
Robert and Sharon Squire
December 8, 2017
Bill was a wonderful friend and a great person. We will deeply miss him.
Pammy,Jason , Mandy, Damon and baby
December 8, 2017
Rembering all the fun we had at Cedar Point trips (rocking the van)Tiger games with Gram and Fishbones,Acapulco ,Fourth of July parties(sitting on top of your house to watch Sylvania Fireworks),Superbowel parties and the squares, Birthday parties and your orange brick cakes, births of kids and grandkids and the list goes on and on. If you had Bill and his beautiful family in your life you were truly blessed. Oh of course we can not forget his love of his ice cream,girls softball games and his of of life!
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