Winter Haven, Florida - Joseph T. Beckley of Winter Haven Florida died peacefully surrounded by his family Sunday May 10, 2009 due to heart failure.  He was 88. 

Born July 9, 1920 in Royal Center, Indiana to Mary and Sam Beckley, he came to this area in 1989.  He was a long time Sales Personnel Manager for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.  A veteran of World War II, he served in the Pacific Arena in the Unites States Marine Corps.  He was a member of Lake Region Yacht and Country Club, the American Legion and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.   

He is survived by his wife Caroline Beckley of Winter Haven.  They were married in Winter Haven in 1998.  Preceded in death by his brother Charles Z. Beckley and sister Mary Jane Martin, survivors also include his sons Rev. Joseph T. Beckley, Jr. of  Port Allegany, PA, and Charles Z. Beckley of Missoula, MT , step-son

 B. Scott Blanton III of Winter Haven, step-daughter Caroline Elizabeth Lewis of Tallahassee, sister JoAnn Lidman of Rapid City, S.D., four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren. 

Memorial services will be at First Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven on Thursday at 3 PM. 

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society, 555 Sage Road, Winter Haven, FL 33881 or any charity of your choice.