Walter 'Ray' Beck Jr., retired Navy captain

Walter Raymond 'Ray' Beck Jr., 82, was born Dec. 7, 1932, to Walter Raymond Beck Sr. and Florence Jacobs Beck in Chicago, Ill. He died Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, in Lewes.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan Clark Beck; two children Brian Beck (Carol) and Susan Latham (Paul); two grandchildren (Olivia Latham and Beck Latham). He was preceded in death by his brother; Robert Beck (Audrey).

Ray graduated from Downers Grove High School in June, 1950 and left immediately to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated the academy in 1954 and embarked on a career that spanned 30 years and six continents.

He was the commanding officer of both the USS Amherst, stationed in Philadelphia, and the USS Collette ,stationed in San Diego. It was while he was stationed in Philadelphia that he met the love of his life, Joan Clark. They were married in 1959. He served two tours in Vietnam and five years at the Pentagon. He received numerous awards and accommodations for his service. He was stationed in Tehran, Iran just prior to the hostage crisis and served three years in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The family took advantage of the overseas tours to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Middle East and South America.

Ray retired from the Navy as a captain with full honors in June 1984 after which he began a new career as a consultant with Vitro Corporation. He retired from Vitro after 11 years. Ray then decided to run for the Maryland House of Delegates for the 39th District and won the election. He served four years from 1995-99.

Ray and Joan moved to Lewes in 2007. An avid golfer, Ray enjoyed playing frequent rounds of golf with the “ball tossers” at the Rookery Golf Club where he was a member. He also enjoyed walks on the Rehoboth Boardwalk, dining out, and “discussing” politics. Alas, with his customary military precision, the old sailor shipped out to his final destination on the last day of 2014. He will be missed by all who knew him, ‘til we meet again.

Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers contributions to either Delaware Hospice or the U.S. Naval Academy are greatly appreciated will he will be interred at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., with service to follow.

Please visit Ray's Life Memorial webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.