Reader submitted content: United Daughters dedicate grave marker

Janelle Foster

Ellen W. Jones chapter 1022 of United Daughters of the Confederacy held a grave marking and dedication for Confederate veteran William Beck in the Floyd Cemetery on Saturday.

Beck was one of the first burials in the cemetery, having died in 1904. His burial location was found in May, and plans were made to obtain a stone from the Veterans Administration, and to have the descendants take part in the service.

The service was held at 10:30 a.m. with flag bearers from the Sons of Confederate Veterans: Dennis Darrow, Joe Blair and Don Johnson of Altus, Okla. Members of the UDC and 11 descendants and friends observed the dedication.

Flag salutes were led by Vicky Stratton, and the welcome was given by Janelle Foster, chapter president. The invocation and benediction were given by Bess Jones. The dedication of the stone was given by Foster, and blessing of the marker by Jan Ross.

Laura Nelson of Roswell sang “The Empty Chair.” Floral tributes were given by Mary Childress and family member Diane Johnson, who also read biographical notes about Beck, her great-grandfather.

The military service record was read by Cathey Cline, who stated Beck served as a private in Company A 18th Alabama Infantry. Beck served until the end of the war, taking part in the campaigns of Shiloh, Chicamauga, Atlanta and others.

A luncheon was held at the Floyd Community Center after the ceremony.