BECKWITH REYNOLDS WILLIAM

CPT Reynolds William Beckwith was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 06/05/2013 at the age of 88.8 from Cancer
Reston, VA
Date of Birth 08/09/1924
Served in the U.S. Navy
Served in Vietnam with HA(L)-3 in 69-70
Call sign in Vietnam SEAWOLF
This information was provided by Dan Arnes, Sammie Williams

More detail on this person: Reynolds Beckwith, 1924 - 2013 Captain Reynolds Beckwith, USN (Ret.), age 88, died peacefully on June 5, 2013 at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. Born at home in Coral Gables, Florida in 1924 to Mildred Beckwith Humphries and John Humphries, Reynolds grew up in south Florida and southern California. He graduated from University High School in West Los Angeles and then attended U-C Berkley's Engineering School. Reynolds received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated with the class of 1949. He earned his aviator wings in February of 1951. Reynolds attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey California where he earned a Master's of Science Degree in Underwater Acoustics.

Reynolds Beckwith was a veteran of two wars. He served his country with distinction in aviation billets in Korea, during the Cuban Crisis, in three>aviation squadron commands in Vietnam, and two tours at the Pentagon. During the Korean War Reynolds flew anti-submarine warfare patrols in the Japan and Yellow Seas, and night missions over North Korea. At Binh Thuy in South Vietnam, he commanded an attack helicopter squadron flying night helo missions over the Bassac River in the Mekong Delta. Reynolds was recognized throughout his career in the U.S. Navy as an operational and technical sonar expert in anti-submarine warfare, and was distinguished for his tactical and managerial talents.

Following retirement from the Navy in 1975, Reynolds provided consulting services for various clients. He headed the Washington Office for Allied>Signal Ocean Systems Division advanced systems engineering. In 1989, he co-founded a software company, Objective Interface Systems, with his son, Bill Beckwith. Reynolds served as the President and CFO until 2000 and was a member of the Board of Directors until 2011. From 2002 until his death on June 5, Reynolds continued to serve as CO, McCampbell's Aces Squadron; the Association of Naval Aviators of Palm Beach County; the Alumni Association of the Naval Academy; a Director of the Navy League, Palm Beach Council; and the treasurer of the Men's Golf Association of the North Palm Beach Country Club. Reynolds met his wife Bette while dancing at the Mission Ranch in Carmel, and they were married for over 50 years.

He was a committed family leader, terrific father, natural teacher, and>doting grandfather. He was deeply loved by all his family and is missed by those he leaves behind, including his two children, Karen Beckwith and her spouse, Scott Barrow of Lenox, MA and Bill Beckwith and his spouse, Alison Beckwith of Reston, VA; and his four grateful granddaughters, Ardis Barrow, 26 and Rebecca Barrow, 23, Lauren Beckwith, 23 and Kristin Beckwith, 20. He also leaves behind a dear friend and travel companion, Joan Firman of North Palm Beach, and a great many friends in several organizations with which he participated until his death.

He loved no place on earth as much as he loved south Florida. He enjoyed golf, ballroom dancing, financial management, fine food and wine, fishing, traveling, target shooting and, most of all, spending holidays with his children & grand children. May the sky be clear for take off, and the seas smooth for sailing on his journey forward. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Vienna Virginia on Sunday, June 23 2013 at 2 p.m. at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Avenue West; phone: 703-938-7440. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in his name payable to the Navy League - PBC.

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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