Mr. John E. Beckwith Sr
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Mr. John E. Beckwith Sr. was born August 27, 1942 in Gilbert, Louisiana. Many who know him say that he was born with the desire and dream of owning a funeral home and helping others. Mr. Beckwith began his destiny in the funeral business at the early age of 14. Living in a rural area in Louisiana was not a hindrance for Mr. Beckwith, he was so determined that he would walk several miles and hitchhike to local funeral homes to learn the business.  With the help of friends and local funeral home owners in Louisiana he began as a Carwash Attendant and Ambulance Driver.  Because of his passion, desire and hard work he was promoted to General Manager. Mr. Beckwith not only had a desire and dream of owning a funeral home, he was an advocate of Civil Rights while in Louisiana, in this struggle for freedom and equal rights Mr. Beckwith lost many friends. His dream of owning a funeral home was intensified with the loss of his friends in the Civil Rights struggle. Mr. Beckwith realized why the passion and desire of owning a funeral home was so deeply rooted in his spirit; it was his destiny to provide families with quality and affordable funeral services.  His desires, passions and dreams led him to Dallas, TX, where he met and married the missing piece to assisting him in achieving his destiny, his soul mate and helpmate "Allene Zachery."  In Dallas Mr. Beckwith continued his quest of achieving his destiny by working for local funeral homes, Red Ball Motor Freight and as an Insurance Agent, while along with his wife raising their five children. On September 15, 1980 all of Mr. Beckwith’s hard work came to pass, his destiny was fulfilled in Waxahachie, TX where he established the first Golden Gate Funeral Home. Mr. Beckwith’s dream was to own a funeral home, but God’s plans were greater than his. With the Grace and Blessings of God, Mr. Beckwith opened a second location in Dallas, TX in 1985, known today as the corporate location and a third location in Lancaster, TX in 1999. Humbly serving over a thousand families annually has earned Mr. Beckwith the privilege of owning and operating the number one African American Funeral Home in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.  Mr. Beckwith was extremely proud and honored when God again extended his favor to him and blessed him with a funeral home in his home state of Louisiana.  Beckwith Golden Gate Funeral Home was established in Tallulah, LA on July 19, 2001 and is one of the fastest growing African American Funeral Homes in North Louisiana. Mr. Beckwith works very closely with the clergy in the community by donating his time and finances.  He has a passionate belief in mentoring and helping others.  He has opened his home and business to many, and has taken them in as his own.  Many prominent pastors, ministers, business owners and productive citizens recognize Mr. Beckwith as their mentor. Mr. Beckwith is an Honorary Deputy Constable in Dallas County, Precinct One and is credited with starting the Security Ministry at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, TX, where he continues to serve.  Mr. Beckwith has received numerous awards and honors over the years in both Louisiana and Texas, for his selfless spirit and dedication.