Cortez Wayne Beck, known to family and friends as Wayne, passed away on May 18, 2026, in Bradenton, Florida, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on August 23, 1944, in Plant City, Florida, to Jesse W. and Vadie Lee Beck.
Wayne moved to Bradenton from Plant City in the early 1950s and grew up with the kind of determination and steady character that would define his life. He attended Southeast High School and was proud to be part of the school’s first graduating class of 1963. While there, he played football and ran track, and his school years helped shape the loyalty, discipline, and teamwork that remained with him throughout his life. In 2024, he was inducted into the SEHS Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the chain gang, alongside his close friends Dan Schaffer and “Julio” Terry Price, a recognition that brought him great pride.
After high school, Wayne enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably, spending much of his deployment in Bangkok, Thailand. Following his military service, he returned to Bradenton and began a long and dedicated career with Florida Power and Light, where he worked as a lineman and working foreman for 39 years. He was known as a dependable and hardworking employee who took pride in doing his job well. Wayne was also a loyal member of Local Union 820, IBEW, for 40 years and served as a Job Steward for many years. In retirement, he continued to serve others through his work with DRG, the Disaster Resource Group, where he assisted with post-hurricane storm relief efforts and formed lasting friendships with the people he worked alongside.
Wayne was a Christian man whose faith was quiet, steady, and sincere. He lived his beliefs through kindness, humility, and service to others. He was a member of the Wednesday breakfast group, the ROMEOs, and enjoyed the fellowship and friendship that came with those gatherings. Those who knew him will remember that he was loving, funny, and friendly, and that he carried himself with a warmth that made people feel welcome.
Wayne shared 43 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife and best friend, Carol, whom he married on November 6, 1982. Their marriage was built on devotion, partnership, and a deep and lasting love. Together they raised their family and created a home filled with memories, laughter, and support. Wayne is survived by Carol; his sons, Jeffery and his partner Johanna, and Jared and his wife Kimberly; his daughter, Allison Purvis and her husband Jeremy; his grandson, Jaiden; and his granddaughters, Alexie and Rowen. He is also survived by his sisters, Annie Mae Oxendine and Sandra Hicks, along with multiple nieces and nephews.
Family meant everything to Wayne, and some of his happiest memories were made during camping trips with Allison and Jared when they were young. He and Carol began with tent camping and later moved up to a pop-up camper, always making time for the simple joys of being together outdoors. He loved grilling, fishing, and canoeing, and his children treasured those times as some of their most cherished memories. Wayne was especially known for waking up early and driving to Fort DeSoto, the family’s favorite camping spot, so he could secure the best campsite. That same love of the outdoors carried forward into the next generation, and Alexie and Rowen followed with an interest in camping as well.
Wayne also loved all things softball. He served as an ASA softball umpire for more than 25 years and worked many county league games. It was on a softball field that he met Carol, beginning the love story that would become the center of his life. He also played county recreational softball, where he formed many cherished friendships both on the field and in the parking lot. One of his greatest joys was sharing that love of softball with his granddaughters. “Pop” was their biggest fan, faithfully attending their recreational and travel ball games and always offering encouragement, advice, and proud support from the stands.
He was a devoted Florida Gator fan and enjoyed watching football and softball games whenever he could. He also followed NASCAR and was an avid fisherman who, in years past, caught some impressive snook and redfish. Wayne will be remembered for his loyalty, his strong work ethic, his ever-present smile, and his laughter that could brighten a room. He did not know a stranger and was a friend to everyone he met. His love for his family was steadfast, and his words of wisdom, kindness, and encouragement will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Wayne Beck leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, friendship, and devotion. He was a good man, a faithful husband, a proud father and grandfather (Pop), and a loyal friend. His life was one of purpose and generosity, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing.
A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 10:30-11AM, with a memorial service starting at 11AM at Bayside Community Church, 6609 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL. 34209. A committal service with honors will take place Monday, June 1, 2026, at 2PM at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
