William Carl Beck spent much of his life teaching and encouraging others to live with Jesus in their hearts.  On November 23, 2025 Bill heard “Well done, my good and faithful servant” as he entered heaven.

 

Bill was born on December 20, 1949.  His parents, Joseph and Miriam gave Bill 4 older siblings; Margaret, Barbara, Joseph, and Elizabeth.  He grew up in York, Pennsylvania and later Greencastle, Pennsylvania, where he eventually met the love of his life, Rita Whitmore, in 9th grade.

 

Bill and Rita started their “better together” journey and graduated high school in 1967.  Bill was a young man of many talents and God was weaving him through a fascinating and unique life.  Bill became an Eagle Scout.  When his brother was killed in Vietnam, Bill enlisted in the Army.  Bill served for 3years and spent time in the country of Turkey.  

 

Bill and Rita were married on May 13, 1972.  Bill then received his bachelor’s degree in Forestry from Penn State University and joined the workforce with Agway.  Eventually God revealed a different path and calling for Bill. Bill was obedient to the call and received a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 1985.  As part of his education he was Chaplain at Cowans Gap State Park for 2 summers.

 

Bill and Rita moved to Newville, Pennsylvania in 1985 where he became the Pastor at Big Spring Presbyterian Church.  Newville became home and Bill served the church for 30 years but the community for much longer.  Bill was a shepherd, a teacher, and a friend to anyone that God put in front of him.  Bill had a gift of guiding others through adversity and offering God’s love in relatable words and actions.  The church that God gave Bill to witness to included people from many different walks of life, different communities, and different backgrounds.  Many call Bill a friend because he equipped them to know, and follow, Jesus.

 

Bill and Rita have one son, Josh, and a daughter-in-law Jan.  They also have two grandsons, Levi and Sam.  Bill loved his family and they all felt that love through the precious moments and words that God gave to them.  To know them is to know Bill.  Apples don’t fall far from trees.

 

Bill and Rita were married for 53 years.  They were truly better together and encouraged the many couples they mentored on how to keep God at the center of a healthy relationship.  There would not be a Bill without a Rita and there is not a Rita without a Bill.  The work God did through the two of them was meaningful and will continue through Rita.  She is equipped with a lifetime of memories, wisdom, and love from her husband.

 

A memorial service will be held at Big Spring Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 30 at 3pm.  

 

Memorials can be sent to:

 

Big Spring Presbyterian Church

25 South Corporation Street

Newville PA 17241

 

Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors Inc.

1013 Mumma Road. Suite 203

Wormleysburg, PA 17043 

https://www.pawoundedwarriors.org