Richard James Beckham

Richard James “RJ” Beckham, 89, of Coffeeville, made his earthly transition on Sunday, March 1, 2020, while at Providence Hospital in Mobile. He was born Nov. 18, 1930 to Lonnie Mae Beckham and Willie Gray Beckham. RJ was one of 10 children.

RJ joined the Cedar Point Baptist Church in his early years. He was raised after his mother’s passing by his sister, Leila V. Kimbrough, who proceeds him in death. 

In 1950 he met and married Rada Mae Law. They had a strong union for 68 years, until her passing on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. A truck driver by occupation, RJ had a bold, consistent and straight-forward personality. He also showed to be one of the sweetest men you could meet. He loved gardening, raising animals, and riding in his pick-up truck until his health failed. Most of all, he loved to talk! RJ was one of the brightest residents of the Jackson Health Care facility in Jackson. His presence was known all around.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, was his wife, Rada Mae Law Beckham; three sons, Frank Earl, Ray Charles and Richard Earl Beckham; daughter, Emma Mae Beckham Williams; two sons-in-law, Willie C. Campbell and Henry L. Williams; three sisters, Leila V. Beckham Kimbrough, Moddy M. Beckham and Maggie R. Beckham Oliver; two brothers, Willie J. Beckham and Johnny L. Beckham. 

Left to cherish his loving memories are his daughter, Eula Beckham Campbell of Denver, Colo.; son, James (Lynne) Beckham of Aurora, Colo.; daughter-in-law, Dorothy Beckham of Denver; three sisters, Rose M. Carlyle of California; Connie L. Malone of Mississippi; and Minnie M. Johnson of Colorado; one brother, Joe Beckham of Coffeeville; 15 grandchildren, one devoted, Erin Williams of Livingston; 31 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren; with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

RJ was blessed with bonus family members who treated him like a father and friend, Mary L. “Lou” Gilmore; Mr. Woodie Dunigan Sr. and Mr. Floyd Moody Jr., all of Coffeeville. 

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