ROBERT HOPE BECKETT
Robert Hope Beckett, 69, departed this life on Sunday evening, April 8, 2018 after a long illness, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, MD. He was born on July 15, 1948 in Accomac, VA, and was the oldest son of Robert & Eula Beckett of Salisbury, Md. He was preceded in death by his father Robert L. Beckett, and his son, Robert Hope Beckett, Jr. Robert’s immediate family always called him “Robert Lee”.
At a very early age, Robert joined and became an active member of Macedonia Baptist Church (now New Macedonia) and was Baptized under the leadership of Rev. Isaac Jenkins.
Robert was educated in the Worcester County School system and graduated from Worcester High School in 1966. Following graduation, his intention was to attend Maryland State College, currently the University of Maryland Eastern Shore; however, he enlisted into the United States Army on May 10, 1967 while the Vietnam War draft was in full swing. Upon completion of Basic Training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he was assigned to serve his country in Vietnam and the Mekong Delta. He was Honorably Discharged at the rank of Sergeant in 1969. Robert received the Bronze Star and two Army Commendation Medals for his Vietnam Service. He remained on active reserve duty until May 9, 1973 and completed training as a Barber following his Discharge. He began employment at Delmarva Power & Light Company (DP&L) in 1971, and retired in 2011 after forty years of service. Robert was truly dedicated to his work and often worked numerous overtime hours assisting customers that had no electricity.
On November 19, 1977, Robert married Marsha Corbin and from this union three children were born. Dr. Niccole L. Corbin (Silver Spring, MD), Roberta H. Beckett, known as “Robbi”, and the late Robert H. Beckett, Jr. (Salisbury, MD). In addition, he also has two other children, Tywuana (Brian) Richo, (Salisbury, MD) and Pastor Kevin B. (Yahshikiah) Hughes (Dover, DE).
“Robert Lee” leaves to cherish his memories, mother, Eula, wife, Marsha and four brothers, Larry (Stephanie) Beckett of Arnold, MD, Prentice (Lee Caplan) Beckett of Philadelphia, PA, Clinton (Debbie) Beckett of Salisbury, MD, and Kenneth (Wanda Evans) of Hampton, VA. He also leaves to mourn eight grandchildren: Shadae Harmon, Raymir Beckett, Dezerra-Williams Beckett, Kristian McMillan, and Geneque Garrison (Salisbury, MD), Kevin B. Hughes, Jr. and Karsyn B. Hughes (Dover, DE), and Kevin Chandler, Jr. (Wilmington, DE); two great grandchildren: Kaleb White & Mar’Leah Coleman (Salisbury, MD) three brother-in-laws, Donald (Diana) Corbin, Patrick (Shenitta) Smith, and Robert (Joann) Holden, Salisbury, MD; two sister-in-laws, Barbara Miller, and Catherine Smith, Princess Anne, MD. He will be sadly missed by his most dear uncle, confidant, hunting partner, and close friend, “Uncle Moke”, Vernon Hope (Pocomoke City). It’s a sad loss for his Aunt Lince Brown, Aunt “Liz” as he called her. He leaves to mourn nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of friends. There will certainly be a void for Ed Simmons and Rev. Carroll Mills whose long term friendships developed after working many, many years together at DP&L. Robert, Ed, and Carroll became brothers and they remained by his side throughout Robert’s long journey.
