Thomas Eugene Beckham, of Florence, died suddenly on Sunday, January 2, 2011 at Huntsville Hospital.
The graveside service will be Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at Greenview Memorial Park with the Rev. Chris Underwood officiating. The family will visit with friends after the service. Elkins Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Mr. Beckham opened the first Toyota dealership in our area and had owned several other automotive franchises.
He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He was a tailgunner on a B-17 and completed 52 missions. He and other crew members were shot down over Italy on one of those flights.
Tom had a great sense of humor and loved his family, his country and the community. He was a member of Highland Baptist Church. He enjoyed golf and appreciated the many friendships he formed over the years at Florence Golf and C.C. He was also an avid Tennessee Volunteer football fan.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Sue Beckham; daughters Pat Willingham (Paul) and Kay Martin Comer (Phillip); grandson Brett Martin (Meghan); stepson Bill Turnbow; step-grandchildren Chad, Andrea, Greg, Kim and Melody.
Pallbearers will be Paul Willingham, Phillip Comer, Brett Martin, Chad Turnbow, Greg Turnbow, Bill Turnbow and Greg Thornton.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Highland Baptist Church.