William Franklin Beecham

Our beloved William Franklin Beecham, age 72, was called home Thursday April 8, 2021 surrounded by his family. Our hearts are broken about his passing and we will miss him dearly. 

William (Buddy) is preceded in death by his parents Annie Mai Dinwiddie and William Beecham, grandparents George & Eva Lenar Lee of Martin. 

Buddy was the first born Beecham up north in Lansing, Michigan in 1948 and graduated from Holt High School in 1967. He worked an esteemed officiating career in high school and college athletics counting many hall of fame players and coaches among friends. He coached basketball, football, softball and never missed an athletic event with his family. He retired from the State of Michigan serving youth and juvenile offenders, spending much of his time in the rehabilitation of young women. After retirement Bill continued working with kids as a school teacher with Maury County Schools. He loved living and traveling every back road in Tennessee, Michigan, and every state in between. His favorite road trips were to the Great Smoky Mountains, down the Natchez Trace, along Highway 61 the “Blues Trail” through Memphis, the original route of the Trail of Tears and his trips home to see family. His journeys took him far and wide and his unique spirit always found the good in folks. His values, his care, his jokes and funny sayings will forever be remembered by those of us he influenced. 

He loved life and he loved his family He loved his umpire crew and talking to and telling stories for hours. Buddy loved the simple things in life, a good time, a great meal, and time to cherish with loved ones. His endless funny stories are our comfort now and we know he’s somehow using coupons in heaven. 

He is survived by his legacy..a loving daughter Jessica Beecham, brother Donald (Sue) Beecham, nephew Dennis (Cheryl) Beecham, nieces Cheryl (Manny) Rose, Jill (Jeremy) Danbrook, great nephews Daniel (Heidi) Beecham, Matthew Beecham, grandsons Christopher Pharion, Jackson and great niece Kyleigh cousins Nancy and Tony Beecham. Many relatives in Michigan and Tennessee and special friends Dick Ribby, Victor Cena, Penny Knupp and Wolf.

Services will be Friday April 16, 2021 at 1:00pm in Martin, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude or a cause close to your heart.