Richard Beck

Richard Earl Beck, 78, of Tyler, Texas went to his eternal resting place on Monday, January 15, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Juanita Beck, and infant baby sister, Shari. He is survived by his wife, Kaye Beck; daughter, Kelli Elizabeth Beck; son, Alex Edward Beck, grandson, Blake Alexander Wolff (Aspen); great granddaughter, Zaria Wolff; stepson, Brent Stroud (Liz); stepdaughter, Natali Stroud Stone (Matt); grandchildren, Jude, Sylvia, and Silas Stroud, and Elliot Stone.

Richard was born on August 22, 1945, in Edinburg, TX. He attended Gregory-Portland and Donna High Schools. During his time at Donna High School, he was trainer for the famous football team that won the State Championship in 1961; he loved to attend their reunions. Richard was a proud graduate from the University of Texas Pharmacy School. He continued to be involved with the College of Pharmacy throughout his career.

He owned and operated Roaten Drug Store in Rockport Texas from 1972-1985. He was extremely involved in his community as Director and Vice President of the Lion's Club. In addition to this, he was a founding Board Member of the Rockport Seafair. Later, he served two terms as Alderman on the city council, Director of the Rockport Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors for Aransas County Medical Services. Even though he lived in several cities later in life, Rockport was his "home". He continued to contribute to the community, serving as Lobbyist for Aransas County at the end of his career.

Richard was an active member of the Texas Pharmacy Association throughout his life. When he sold his business in 1985, he went to work as Director of Insurance for TPA. In 1986 he became Director of Public Affairs, and in 1991 Assistant Executive Director. In 1994, he went to work for the Arkansas Pharmacy Association as Executive Vice President and CEO. In 2003, he returned to his beloved state of Texas and took a position as Vice President of American Pharmacies. He later became Executive Vice President of Texas Pharmacy Council and Lobbyist for Texas Business Council. He never fully retired and continued his lobbying work until his passing.

Richard was highly respected in the field of Pharmacy. In 1992 he received the Professional Excellence Award from the Texas Society of Association Executives. In October 1999, he was named one of the most Fifty Influential Pharmacists in America by Drug Topics Magazine (one of three in the State Leaders Category). In July of 2012, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in Pharmacy.

Richard was a huge sports enthusiast and an avid reader of the paper who loved to engage in debates and deep discussions on tough topics. He was a gifted lobbyist because he was uniformly respected and trusted by legislators, colleagues and the citizens he served. No matter which side of the aisle you sat, Richard Beck's integrity was held in high esteem. His humbleness, humor and love of laughter was his identity. He was always good for a joke. However, how he will be remembered best is that he was fiercely loyal, kind, affectionate, honorable, hardworking, and intensely passionate about his profession. A friend eloquently revered him in a post as "a tireless soldier for our profession working before legislatures and Congress to preserve, protect, and advance our profession." It was his life's work. Respected and deeply loved, he will forever be remembered and missed.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 25th from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm and the funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 25th at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Rockport, Texas, burial to follow at Rockport Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.