Nathaniel Barr Beckley

Nathaniel Barr Beckley, known as Nate by family and friends, was born on August 15, 1937, in Pontotoc, Mississippi. He transitioned to his Heavenly home on March 28, 2025. He married Nannie Joyce (Moore)Beckley on October 18, 1959. From this union, three sons were born: Gregory, Derek (deceased), and Kerry.

Nate met Joyce in high school in the ninth grade in Pontotoc. They dated and graduated together. Nate went to Mississippi Industrial College in Hollys Springs, Mississippi, and Joyce moved to Pittsburgh. Because of the financial hardship caused by college tuition, Nate joined the Army on September 2, 1958.  He did basic training in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and after training, he was transferred to Fort Lee, Virginia. Fort Lee was close to Pittsburgh and Nate visited Joyce and eventually they returned to Mississippi and married in front of family.

Nate drove a truck in the Army, and when he was discharged, he got a job in Pittsburgh driving a truck for a furniture company. He realized that he needed more skills, so he attended Dean Technical Institute and studied drafting. He worked as a draftsman for Dravo Corporation on Neville Island until they relocated. After that, he worked in maintenance for Allegheny Center Mall until he retired.

Nate enjoyed traveling to family reunions for his and Joyce’s family.   He also enjoyed barbecuing and inviting immediate family over for the holidays. A special invitation was always given to friends to come watch the Super Bowl, no matter who was playing. 

Nate and Joyce joined Bethany Baptist Church in 1965. He joined the usher board and was a trustee. Prior to his illness, he was on the cash counting committee. Bethany was an important part of his life.  

Nate was preceded in death by his son Derek and his siblings:  Robert Jr., Georgianna, Lonnie, Roderick, and Eddie.  

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Joyce, his sons Gregory and Kerry; his grandchildren Sasha, Chris, Maya, Micah, Kamron, and Jayden; his great-grandchildren Riley, Bronxx, and Ahsaki, his daughter-in-law Antoinette; and his “Play-daughters” Debra, Grace, and Stephanie, and his friend Luther Moon.

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