Melvin K. Beckham, 54, of Hendersonville, died Tuesday, April 7, 2009, peacefully at home.
Born August 3, 1954 in Darlington County, he was the son of Gladys Tedder Beckham of Darlington, SC and the late Paul H. Beckham. Melvin graduated from St. Johnís High School in 1972 and went to work as a press machine operator and then moved to Asheville to work for Clark Communication. He collected Woodpecker gas engines and enjoyed collecting and riding Cushman and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Melvin was a member of the Mid Carolina Antique Cushman Club. He was an avid music fan and lover the Grateful Dead and Goose Creek Symphony, attending many of their concerts.
His friends in North Carolina will miss him and Melvin cherished his friendships with Larry, Ching and Zack Hardin, Charles, Ruth, Grant ìBuckîand Louise Pace, Nina Cantrell, Bill and Linda Starkey, Robert and Dee White, Joe and Linda Britton, the late Frank Bradley, Thelma ìPuffî, Shane and Becky Bradley.
He is survived by his mother; two brothers, Mike (Gayle) Beckham and Ted Beckham, all of Darlington, SC; his niece, Ashton Tedder Beckham and his faithful K-9 companion, BoBo.
A memorial service will be held Monday, April 13, 2009, at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel at Forest Lawn Mortuary. Rev. Dan Blackwell will be officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00 p.m. Guests may sign a register book at www.forestlawnhendersonville.com.
Memorials may be made to Henderson County Humane Society, 88 Centipede Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or Four Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.
Forest Lawn Mortuary is assisting the family with the arrangements.
I met Merlin threw Jim Robert. He was a sweet, nice man. I got a 1950ish tricycle for my grandson from him and it will now always hold a special memory for me. I will miss seeing him I pass by his home quite often and always looked to see if he was in the yard so now it will be sad to go by there. See you again soon…
I have known Merlin for a long time and I will miss him coming down to my garage and hanging out for a while. He was there on Friday April 3rd and stayed for about an hour and we did some catching up. He was always the same anytime you saw him. At engine shows the first thing I did was go look for Merlin and Larry and Zack Hardin to make sure they were there. Merlin always enjoyed the shows and it won’t be the same without him and if you saw Merlin usually Larry and Zack were not far behind. Rest in peace my friend and we will see you again. We have lost a dear friend and will miss you everyday.
“Trouble”, My one wish is that you are now swimming in an endless sea of chocolate Frosty. That is how I picture your heaven!! You brought a huge smile to my face everyday that I had the chance to know you, and that is something I will always cherish. I’ll never forget the sound of those keys jingling down the hall as you came to say “hi” any day I missed the chance to come say it first. I’m glad you never lost touch and always found time to check in with a friend. It won’t be the same without you. I will try to keep myself, and Isabel in line and will remember always to “Be Good”!!! You are a dear friend, a kind soul, and one of the best people I ever had the chance to know. You will be missed dearly. Now go enjoy your Frosty and “Be Good, Trouble!”
Melvin was one the most giving people I have met. He had a kind heart. Over the years I worked with him, he taught me a lot. His laugh, sense of humor and presence will be missed. Enjoy all the Necco’s you want my friend and we will see you later!
My deepest condolences for Merlins family and friends. Nearly twenty years ago I became friends with Merlin and Ted through other friends. He was a good guy and even though I did not keep contact…I always rememembered him fondly. One funny memory that always stood out was, we were driving down the rode with the radio on and he would say,you like that song and he’d flip the channel….just his since of humor…
“UNCLE MERLIN” WAS A GREAT PERSON WITH A HUGE HEART. HE SENT ME A BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET OF FLOWERS FOR MY 20TH BIRTHDAY AND A SWEET CARD JOKING ABOUT MY OLD AGE WHICH I HAVE KEPT FOR MORE YEARS THAN I CARE TO MENTION. HE TOOK THE TIME TO DESIGN AND PRINT MY WEDDING INVITATIONS AND MADE ME FEEL HE ENJOYED DOING IT. MOST IMPORTANTLY HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND TO MY DAD AND I KNOW HE WILL BE LOST WITHOUT HIM. MUCH LOVE TO YOU UNCLE MERLIN!!!
I have known Merlin for over 25 years. From our long haired beer drinking biker days to more laid back mature times. He was uncle Merlin to my kids and was there at my wedding. Anytime we went out to eat my wife would say “lets call Merlin.” He was always there to lend a hand when needed and ready to go on any wild adventure with me–hunting antique engines, swap meets, bike rides or what ever came down. I think his easy going ways may have saved my hide more than once. I did things for him and he did things for me. Who owed who, nobody was keeping score. We were talking about what we would do next month or next year. I never had a natural brother, but he was as close as I will ever come. There will be a big hole in my heart and an emptiness in my life without Merlin.
Even though there was a large age gap between Merlin and I, he was one of the very best friends I have ever had. I never saw a trace of meaness or anger or jealousy or anything like that in Merlin. He was a true heart of gold, and anybody who met him couldn’t help but become a friend. He introduced me to a lot of wonderful music, and turned me into a life-long “dead-head.”
There is going to be a big gap in my life without him, and I’ll miss him something terrible. His spirit, and our memories will Not Fade Away…they will just keep on Truckin’ on.
Merlin was a very good friend to me although I have not see hime for many years. I lived with him & Fred and had many good time with him. My heart goes out to family and he will be very missed.
I worked with Melvin a short time but our first meeting he looked up and said “Whatever it is the answer is no” and then broke into his laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed.