A Simple Life…The Life of Billy

"One good thing about music – when it hits you, you feel no pain"

"The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires,

but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively."

William Norman Beckford, also known by many as Bill or Billy, was a husband, a father, grandfather, and friend that cared about those in his life. William, one of many children born to Ethlyn Mills, was born in Saint Ann's Bay, Jamaica. William attended Saint Ann's Bay Primary School as a young child and young man. He progressed into the workforce in the Printing Industry at Burrows Printery and Art's Printery in Jamaica during his early adult years. William married Barbara (Wright) Beckford in 1969, and later immigrated to the United States "Foreign" in Miami, Florida to start a new life journey together. There, they bought their first house (still there today) and brought into the world two sons Marlon Beckford in 1972 and Kevin Beckford in 1978. In the early years in Miami, William continued his work in the Printing Industry working at the Miami Herald. After a few years in the Printing Industry, William wanted to have a better living and provide for his family, and transitioned to the construction industry, like many of his close friends from Jamaica. William worked hard, worked to perfection and quality, which led him to progress to a leadership role of Foreman over his many years in construction. His work will live on. Many of the office buildings and condos in downtown Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Palm Beach were constructed under Bill's leadership. He was also very proud about building the original Miami Heat Arena and the current Florida Panthers Arena, but nothing topped being on an international work assignment with his company in The Bahamas. William would work for 35 years in construction, mainly with Form Works, and finally retired in his later years.

Over this journey in life, in Jamaica and in the United States, William made many friends, helped many people, and lived the life of a hardworking man that wanted to provide for his family. William was loved dearly by his family, extended family and friends. He loved his music (Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff), he loved to dance, and he loved to attend house parties where he would often bring his growing sons along. Billy also loved good food, and had no problem telling you what he thought about it, good or bad. Bill would often work weekend jobs and would bring his sons to teach them the value of hard work and to learn how to appreciate your earnings. He always stressed that people should "save for a rainy day", because you never know what could happen in life. Bill's love may not have been expressed with public hugs and kisses, but his love was manifested by his actions, sacrifice, teaching, and "preaching", to help you to become a better person. Bill didn't like a lot of attention and fanfare, but what he did behind the scenes really impacted many lives that he touched. Though many of the family and friends were physically distant, he was close in heart and spirit, with lots of jokes and storytelling from the "good ole days".

Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara (Wright) Beckford; sons Marlon (Carla) and Kevin (Ayana) Beckford; grandchildren, Ashley Beckford, Starr Braxton, Marcus Beckford, Yara Beckford; his remaining siblings, many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.

Our hearts are heavy, we cry and we mourn, but our hope and faith is in the Lord to carry us through the remainder of our journeys just as William would want us to do.