Silas Earl Beck

A good man left the world September 13, 2025. LTC Silas Earl Beck, a resident of Woodbridge, Virginia, was born October 1, 1940 in Guntersville, Alabama. As a boy he dreamed of "flying", longing to explore the world. His father, Silas Richard Beck, an electrician and his mother, Ellen Marie Jordan Beck, a cotton mill worker lacked the means to send him to college. But he forged a path to make his dreams come true. First, he found a pilot friend and mentor, William Meares, who taught him to fly. Then he earned his private pilot's license and instructor license.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army 1960. After rising to the rank of E-5 he returned to his hometown in August 1963, where he worked as a commercial electrician. He re-enlisted a year later, applied to OCS, and was commissioned in 1966. The Army recognized his intellect and dedication and gave him a chance to fly Cobra gunships during two tours in Vietnam. During his Vietnam tour he was a test pilot. While in service to his country, he earned his undergraduate degree and an MBA. Among LTC Beck 's service decorations were: Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and Senior Aviator. Silas was a member of MENSA, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. LTC Beck retired in October 1986 to become Chief Operating Officer of a small business in Tacoma Park, MD where he retired in 2000.
Silas devoted his life and heart to his country and his family. He is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Janet R. Foote, also from Woodbridge. His parents pre-deceased him, as did one brother Richard Amar Beck of Charleston, SC. He leaves two sisters, Connie Beck Joy and Marka Beck Joy of Huntsville, AL. Also, he shared a son, Steven Earl Beck and a daughter Kera Marie Beck with his former wife, Judy Baugh Beck, all of Guntersville, AL. His daughter, Tina Beck Grimm, pre-deceased him in Greenville, South Carolina. Also among his surviving family are stepdaughter, Carol Shannon Foote of Richmond, VA and stepson, William Henry Foote III of Alexandria, VA. He was "Papa" to eight grandchildren: Hunter Silas Grimm of Halifax, VA; Heather Renee Grimm and Sarah Beck Splane of Huntsville, AL; Laura Beck Ford of Pueblo West, Colorada; Witten Silas Kiernan and Tillman Jace Kiernan of Guntersville, AL; and, Anna Katherine Foote and William Henry Foote IV of Alexandria, VA. Silas had one great grandson, Roland Anthony Splane.
Silas modeled strength, courage, and commitment his entire life. Young men under his influence saw in him virtues of self-discipline, hard work, and integrity. He will be missed, but never forgotten by those who knew and loved him. His memory lingers as a sweet legacy of a life well-lived. Service private.