Willie Joe Beckley Sr. was born on August 8, 1936 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was the eighth child born to William Beckley and Mosetta Stewart-Beckley. He made his home going on Monday, January 20, 2020, at the age of 83 in Toledo Hospital. He was preceded in death by both parents, John W. Beckley and Mosetta Beckley; wife, Roberta Seltzer-Beckley; daughter, Joyce Annette Beckley; son, Darnell William Beckley; grandson, Kenneth Aaron Beckley; brother, Jewell Beckley; sisters, Kate Patton, Reecie Copeland, Carrie Riggins, and Pearl Patton. After a long battle with illness, he fought hard but was called home swiftly by the Lord, surrounded by loving family and friends.

Willie left Tuscaloosa after high school and moved to Toledo, Ohio with his sister, Reecie and brother, John, where he met and married his wife of fourty years, Roberta, until her untimely death. Willie enjoyed cooking, gardening, hunting, and without a doubt, his most favorite, fishing, which he did often. Whenever you would talk to Willie and ask him what he was doing, the one phrase that you could count on was, "I'm just relaxing." He loved sharing his wisdom with people and always reminded them to always do the right thing.

Willie, a hard working man, retired from Chrysler and the Board of Education, demonstrated the importance of strong work ethics and responsibility. Willie loved his family deeply and was an excellent provider and protector. Willie confessed his life to Christ Jesus faithfully, until his death.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory: son, Willie Joseph Beckley Jr. ; daughters, Carolyn Ann Moore (Willie), Annie L. Beckley-Newell; grandsons, Willie Joseph Beckley III, Jeremy Michael Beckley, Anthony Baker, Brandon Baker; brother, John W. Beckley (Ruth); sister, Margaret Chavers; special friend, Irma Guardiola; special nephews, James Patton, Tim Patton, Aaron Patton, Arthur Chavers, Darnell Chavers, Todd Chavers, and a host of loving nieces and nephews.