Ronald Richard Beck

COLUMBIA - Dr. Ronald Richard “Ron” Beck, age 89, of Columbia, SC, passed away Thursday, June 13, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born on October 8, 1934, in Tiltonsville, Ohio to the late Francis Emil and Zelda Blanche Burns Beck.

Ron was a life-long learner and educator. He graduated from Warren Consolidated High School in Tiltonsville, Ohio in 1952. Ron entered the U.S. Air Force following graduation, serving during the Korean War. He continued his education at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where he earned a B.S. in Zoology in 1961. He continued his education at Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio, earning a M.S. in Physiology in 1967, and a Ph.D. in Physiology in 1968. Next Ron accepted a faculty position at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, as Associate Professor in Physiology.

In 1975, Ron moved his family to Columbia, SC, to help start the School of Medicine at the University of South Carolina, from which he retired in 1999. He served as Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology and went on to become Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Graduate Studies. He trained many of the physicians currently practicing in the Midlands. Ron had many hobbies and interests including woodworking, home improvement projects, gardening, fishing, and reading.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lois Jean Tennyson Beck of Columbia, SC; his daughter, Denise Mackey and her husband, Joel, of Heath Springs, SC; his daughter, Barbara Brandenburg and her husband, Jeff, of Columbia, SC; his son, Dave Beck and his wife, April, of Cayce, SC; his grandchildren, Clayton Brandenburg of Johnson City, TN, Joanna Mackey of West Columbia, SC, Jon Mackey of Eutawville, SC, and Cameron Brandenburg of Camden, SC; his sister, Vivian Harris and her husband, John, of Rayland, OH; his brother, Gary Beck and his wife, Anne, of Winter Springs, FL; his brother, Jim Beck (predeceased by wife. Andrea) of Dublin, OH; his sister, Janis Beck of Columbus, OH. He was predeceased by brother, Ken Beck (survived by wife Opal), of Shadyside, OH.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Always Best Care caregiver, Shameika Kelly and independent caregiver, Shannon Johnson for the excellent care that they provided during Ron’s final days. It was because of their care and compassion that Ron was able to remain with Lois until the end of his life’s journey, as was their wish.

A visitation will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, 4219 Hard Scrabble Road, Columbia, SC 29223, on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity in Ron’s name.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.