Harold E. Beckwith

Harold E. Beckwith, 76, of Benton passed away Sunday, June 19, 2016 at Saline Memorial Hospital. He was born May 31, 1940 in Gillham, Ark. to the late Roy Edward and Iva Evelyn Wilson Beckwith. Mr. Beckwith was a Microwave Communication Engineer with AT&T for 37 years and a member of West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church. Harold, above all else, was a man of unyielding, unapologetic, and absolute faith; F. (Father & Friend) A. (Admired & Adored) I. (Integrity & Intelligent) T. (Teacher & Thoughtful) H. (Husband & Hero). His life could be best measured not by what he had, but by what he gave and the legacy he left behind. In addition to his parents, sister, Nona Faye Garibay, brother, Ronald Wilson Beckwith, granddaughter, Erica Nicole Russell, and two brothers-in-law, Josh Chapman and Abe Von Hatten also preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Betty Jo Kerr Beckwith; three sons, David Russell and wife Mary, and Kelly Joe Russell and wife Shauna of Benton and Shawn Beckwith and wife Tonya of Rogers, Ark.; two sisters, Betty Chapman and Lamona Sue Von Hatten of Alvarado, Texas; one brother, Kenneth Carrol Beckwith and wife Lil of Bryant, Ark.; three sisters-in-law, Frances Smith and husband Don, Sue Acklen and husband James, and Janet Sebourn and husband Randy; five grandchildren, Robert Russell and wife Brooke, Kolbe and Sydnee Russell, and Lilee and Dylan Beckwith, and one great-grandchild, Phoenix Russell. Funeral service will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Melvin Burris and Randy Ward officiating. An interment service will follow at Gillham First Baptist Church at 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Serving as pallbearers are David Russell, Kelly Russell, Shawn Beckwith, Don Smith, Kenneth Acklen, and Les Chapman. Interment will follow in Valley Cemetery in Gillham. Honorary pallbearers are Glynn McCallister, Eric Bloomquist, Dennis Bryant, Jerry Tackett, and Ralph Warren. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening, June 21st at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047). Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.