William Beckett Sr., retired truck driver

Mr. William Harvey Beckett Sr. “Bill”, 94, of Frankford, went home to be with our Lord and Savior Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014.

Bill was born in Frankford, April 15, 1920, to the late Henry Houston Sr. and Lola Beckett. He was raised by his maternal grandparents Charles and Agnes Beckett of Frankford. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by two sons, William H. Beckett Jr. (Dorthy) and Clarence E. Beckett Sr. (Estheleta); along with a daughter, Linda S. Beckett, who passed away in infancy; and his siblings, Ruth and Henry.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in World War II. After leaving the military Bill held numerous jobs in Philadelphia and lower Sussex County, finally working as a truck driver for the Delaware State Highway Administration, having retired after 20 years of service. As an adult, Bill's focus was working hard to provide for his family; upon retirement his focus turned to maintaining his home, yard and especially loved his vegetable garden. Bill was known to be “frank and to the point.” He was a proud and lifelong member of Antioch A.M.E. Church in Frankford.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Anna E. Andrews Beckett of Frankford; one son, Jerome Beckett and his wife Lucy of Frankford; a sister, Mildred Beckett; and a brother, Harry Houston Sr. and his wife Kathleen of Millsboro. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Stanley Beckett Sr., Pamela Beckett Barrett and her husband Daniel, Clarence Beckett Jr., Corey Wingo and Andre Beckett; along with 12 great-grandchildren; a special friend James Fooks; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, at Antioch A.M.E. Church, 194 Clayton Ave., Frankford, where friends may call after 11 a.m. Burial to follow in the adjoining church cemetery.