Thaddeus John Beckett, Sr.

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Thaddeus John Beckett, Sr. was born in New York, New York on August 30, 1930, to the late Fannie Davis and James Oakley Beckett Sr.   He was the proud brother to James (Jimmy)Oakley Beckett, Jr., Ceasar (Wally) Wallace Beckett, Marsha Beckett, and Marion Beckett.  He was educated in the New York City public school system and excelled academically.  He was eager to carry his curiosity and talents to the historically black college in Knoxville, Tennessee, simply known as Knoxville College where he enrolled as a student considering a number of majors to include biology as he sought interest in studying to be a pharmacist. While attending Knoxville College in the early 1950’s, seeking to do more on campus, Thaddeus (Dad) made the decision to seek membership in the Gamma Omicron Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and became an initiated member on April 27, 1952.  He would serve proudly in the fraternity for a little over 72 years as a lifetime member. Upon graduation at Knoxville College in 1954, Thaddeus enlisted in the Army in 1955 and became a part of the U.S. Army Honor Guard which were a group of soldiers known for their attention to detail and precision. They performed a variety of ceremonial duties, including military funerals, memorial services, and parades. So those Honor Guardsmen on duty today, make Dad proud.  

While serving in the U.S. Army Honor Guard, stationed at the time at Fort Leslie J McNair, in Washington D.C., little did Thaddeus (Dad) know he would meet and fall in love with the woman of his dreams, Delores Theresa (Cook) Beckett.  From that union of 62 years came Thaddeus J. Beckett, Jr., Fannice M. Beckett, Damian M. Beckett, Sr. and Johnathan T. Beckett, Sr.   There were numerous family events, celebrations and proud moments that were too many to count that Thaddeus (Dad) enjoyed with his family.  Everyone in the family knew that story telling whether factual or slightly embellished was an important part of family time for Thaddeus (Dad).  He would go on in length about his days as a coach, lifeguard, camp director and so on. His favorite topic of conversation was his 32 years of working for the U.S. Postal Service and the many great people he met; and the love he had in specializing in labor law. He was proud about all his accomplishments—and was not shy about telling you about them. 

Finally, and most importantly Thaddues (Dad) knew the Lord; and the importance of prayer and seeking God’s face when you’ve done all you can do. He has now taken his journey home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, where he will reunite with his loving wife, Delores and son Thaddeus Jr, his mother, father, and brother as well as other loved ones in the faith. Our Father in Heaven has called Thaddeus (Dad) home to a place of everlasting joy where he will no longer feel pain, discomfort, or sorrow.   As we go on living, it is in faith that we know we will see him again.  Left to cherish his loving memory is his children, Fannice, Damian Sr. (Charmagne), Johnathan Sr. (Mia), eight grandchildren, Darius, Devanee, Johnathan Jr. (Taira) Brenden, Domonique, Damian Jr., Simone and Vonsia Beckett, six great-grandchildren, two sisters, Marsha and Marion Beckett, and one brother, C. Wally Beckett, Sr., and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.