David Hassell Beckham

David Hassell Beckham, 84, of Savannah, departed this life on Wednesday, October 8. He was born on May 2, 1941, in Savannah, Tennessee, to HB Beckham and Zella Robinson Beckham.
He was united in marriage with Peggy Franks on April 8, 1966. They enjoyed over 59 years of marriage and were blessed with three daughters.
David graduated from Central High School in Savannah in 1959. He is remembered for his skills and accomplishments as a member of the basketball team. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1963 where he served as a Military Policeman on the White Sands Missile Base in New Mexico. After returning to Savannah, he worked at the PCA Paper Mill and retired after 36 years of service. He was a founding member of Double Springs Baptist Church, where he served as deacon and attended faithfully for many years.
David enjoyed farming, gardening, watching University of TN sports, and raising quarter horses. What he enjoyed most was time spent with family. He cherished the time he spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, HB and Zella Beckham, as well as his daughter, Sherry Thompson (Jim).
David is survived by his wife, Peggy Beckham; and daughters Melinda Gray (Stacey) and Lorrie Cooksey (Jeremy). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Emily Tosh (Nathan), Ryan Gray, Annslee Cooksey, Beckham Cooksey, Sarah Thompson Adams, Emma Claire Thompson, Farrow Kate Thompson, Ashtyn Thompson; great-grandchildren, Locklyn Adams and Noah David Tosh; sister, Bettye Crow; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were held on Sunday, October 12, at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Savannah, with Tyler Webb officiating. Burial followed at Neill Cemetery in Savannah, Tennessee.