William “Bill” Leslie Beckman

June 20, 1947 - June 25, 2021

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William “Bill” Leslie Beckman, 74, husband of Virginia “Ginger” Beckman, passed away on Friday, June 25, 2021.

Born in Saint Paul, MN, he was the son of the late John and Mary Helen Crichlow Beckman.

Bill graduated from the University of Maryland in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education. Having earned 15 credit hours toward a Masters Degree in Civil War history, Bill taught history and coached football and baseball in Maryland for seven years.

After moving to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, Bill taught history at James Wood High School, Winchester, VA. There, he coached football and re-started the baseball program for 15 years. He was also a baseball scout for the Cleveland Indians for many years.

Leaving teaching in 1993, Bill became an Insurance Agent for Horace Mann Company which offered discounts to teachers. In 1998, he became an Agency Manager for Horace Mann and was transferred to Greenville, South Carolina, where he retired in 2013.

Bill was Sunday School teacher his entire adult life. At Simpsonville United Methodist Church, he taught the Adult Fellowship Class. He was also active with Promise Keepers for many years.

Among his hobbies, Bill enjoyed hunting deer and turkey. He enjoyed playing board games his entire life. In Greenville, he became a member of the Greenville Mafia and competed at the World Boardgaming Championship for 17 years, winning many times.

In addition to his beloved wife of 53 years, Bill is survived by two sons, Michael Beckman (Tondra), Charles Beckman (Callan Wetherell); two grandchildren, Braydon and Shayla Beckman; a sister, Sherrill Thomas (Mike).

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Kenney.

No visitation or service is planned due to COVID-19 concerns.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Simpsonville United Methodist Church, 215 SE Main Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681, to Greenville Humane Society, 305 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29607, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Friends are encouraged to leave condolence messages for the family by clicking on the button labeled “Leave A Message, Share A Memory” on the main obituary page.

William “Bill” Leslie Beckman, 74, husband of Virginia “Ginger” Beckman, passed away on Friday, June 25, 2021. Born in Saint Paul, MN, he was the son of the late John and Mary Helen Crichlow Beckman. Bill graduated from the University of Maryland in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education. Having earnedContinue Reading

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Thoughts and Prayers to Bill's Family. As one of his former Baseball players and History students, Bill left a lasting memory with many of our players in 1991-1992. Playing at Bridgeforth and beating the 9th rank team in the nation (Garfield) left a lasting memory. Taking trips to Florida to the Indians "winter" camp was always enjoyable for Coach B. The 17 hour trip wasn't so enjoyable but he loved it. More than anything, Coach B will be missed and I'm sorry to hear about the terrible news. Memories of how you treated us as young men will always remain. To this day, everytime I watch Gold Rush, I remember the project you convinced me to do that helped me Ace the class. Somewhere, that California Gold Cradle still exist. Rest in Piece Coach B......

May God speed Bill's soul to Heaven to rest at the feet of Jesus forever in glory. Bill and I shared many talks throughout high school at Albert Einstein as he lived around the corner and down the street from me. Ginger, I am so sorry for your loss. Much love to you and the family at this difficult time.

Thoughts and prayers for Ginger and the boys. Coached with Bill for many years. He will be missed.

We are so sorry to here of Bills passing he was a kind and loving person. May God give you peace and comfort

Dear Ginger. Bill was such a delightful person to be around and such a loyal friend to my son. I’m sorry he will not be here to continue playing board games and otherwise enjoying his retirement and his family. I know you have a wonderful family and I pray that you will all take comfort in your memories of your time together. Fondly, Ann Pfeiffer.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Bill rest in peace. You will be missed by so many Horace Mann friends and family. You were so much inspiration to many people and brought laughter and smiles to everyone. Ginger. Prayers for you and your family. Marilyn

Bill was such a help to me early in my career even though he was in SC he reached across the Georgia line and gave me many you can do it talks. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.