Johnny E. Beck, 89, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Sunday, January 31, 2021, at his residence.
Graveside services will be held 2 PM, Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald, with the Rev. Dewain Joiner and the Rev. Gary Mimbs officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the cemetery.
Mr. Beck was born December 21, 1931, in Ben Hill County, Georgia, to the late Willie & Ruth Rathburn Beck. He was a graduate of Fitzgerald High School. He married the late Naomi Spires Beck and together they had two daughters. He began his career with Paul Stone at Stone Oil Company. At the urging of Mr. Stone, Mr. Beck, along with his brother-in-law, James Spires, opened Gulf Oil. They later changed the name and would own and operate Central Oil Service Station for 27 years. Mr. Beck was very active in many community groups and prayer organizations and enjoyed singing with the Bernhardt Singers at local nursing homes. His ministry and his passion were that every child should learn about Christ. This led him to be the Sunday school director for Fitzgerald Church of God for over 60 years. In addition to this task, he was an active leader in his church serving as church clerk, singing in the choir, serving on Pastor’s Council and being a member of the Men’s Fellowship Group. He was presented the Key to the City in October 2009 by Mayor Gerald Thompson on Johnny Beck Day at his church.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Frances R. Beck of Fitzgerald; daughters and their spouses: Jackie B. Paulk & Jim of Cordele and Connie B. Nelms & Danny of Fitzgerald; grandchildren: April P. Gregory & Brian, Justin B. Paulk & Morgan, Lori N. Swanson & Matt, and Kayla Nelms; great-grandchildren: Emma Paulk, Beck Paulk, Lauren Swanson, Landon Swanson, and Ellie Kate Swanson; a brother, Ronald Beck & Irby of Jacksonville, Florida; and a sister, Ruth Ann Cain & Roy of Tallahassee, Florida. In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill Beck and Bobby Beck.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Fitzgerald Church of God, Johnny Beck Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1142, Fitzgerald, GA 31750 or to Regency Southern Care Hospice, 143 US Highway 319 South, Suite #1, Moultrie, GA 31768.