Jerry Watson Beck

Mr. Jerry Watson Beck, 86, resident of Old Zion Road died Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at NHC Columbia. Funeral services for Mr. Beck will be conducted Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Bob Rush officiating. Burial will follow in Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. The family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105. Born on July 13, 1935 in Lawrence County, he was the son of the late Clarence Beck and the late Ola Grizzard Beck. He served in the United States Army from 1953 – 1956. On August 14, 1955 he married Laura Piazza Beck who preceded him in death on June 20, 2019. Mr. Beck was a foreman at Monsanto Chemical Company and after retiring went into business for himself in home repair and home sales. He is survived by his children, Jeffrey (Lisa) Beck of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Jeanie (Dwight) Ledford of Columbia and Bryan (Jessica) Beck of Columbia; grandchildren, Adam (Lindsey) Johnson of Columbia; Katrina Beck of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Christina Beck of Cookeville, Todd Beck of Asheville, North Carolina, Emily Beck of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Taylor Beck of Columbia, Gunnar Beck of Columbia, Nathan Donovan of Columbia, and Jacob Donovan of Columbia; great-granddaughter, Jordyn Johnson of Columbia; brothers, Victor Beck of Columbia and Dickie Beck of Lawrenceburg. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia Donovan; son, Ronald Beck; grandson, Benjamin Donovan; three sisters and four brothers. Pallbearers will be friends and family. Honorary pallbearers will be retirees of Monsanto Chemical Company.