Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, at Philadelphia Baptist Church for Mr. Richard Murrell Beck, 92, of the Cadaretta Community in Webster County, who died on Wednesday, Dec. 27, at his residence. Burial with military honors followed in the church cemetery. The Rev. Chuck Provine and the Rev. Martin Jacks officiated. The family received friends from 1 p.m. until service time on Sunday, Dec. 31, at the church.
Murrell was born, along with his twin brother, Earl Beck, on Jan. 4, 1931, the son of the late John and the late Clara Beck of the Spring Hill Community in Webster County. He honorably served our country in the United States Army, while stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., during the Korean War. He married his high school sweetheart, Ruby Helen Marter, on March 3, 1951. They were married for 72 years.
Early in life, Mr. Beck worked as a farmer. He later went on to work for McQuay and Heatcraft in Grenada, retiring as the quality control supervisor after 35 years of service. He faithfully served his church, Philadelphia Baptist Church, for more than 60 years as a deacon. He was actively involved in his community helping his neighbors. He fulfilled his role as president of the Cadaretta Water Association for many years. Above all, he was devoted to his family. He was a loving daddy and granddaddy.
In addition to his parents, his brother, Lanier “Buddy” Beck; infant daughter, Carolyn Elaine Beck, and grandson, Zach Windham, preceded Mr. Beck in death.
Survivors include, his wife of 72 years, Ruby Helen Marter Beck; son, Richard “Ricky” Beck (Carol) of the Cadaretta Community; daughter, Melissa Middleton (Dalton) of Tupelo; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Gray (Zach) and Ella Middleton, all of Tupelo, and one brother, Robert Earl Beck (Bobbie) of Madison.
Ray Britt, Reb Burns, Melvin Clanton, Brent Dixon, Zachary Gray, Kenton McGee, Woody McGee and Craig Pittman honored Murrell by serving as pallbearers and carried him to rest in Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. Gary Beck, Ray Bramlett, Kevin Middleton, Steve Middleton, Gary Rook and Joe Worthy served as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery Fund at 5053 Cadaretta Rd, Gore Springs, MS 38929 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
