Jerald "Jerry" Wayne Beckham, Sr.

Jerald “Jerry” Wayne Beckham Sr.

September 11, 1947 – November 10, 2026

Jerald “Jerry” Wayne Beckham Sr., 79, of Cedar Key, Florida, passed away on November 10, 2026. A lifelong resident, second-generation waterman, devoted father, and local legend, Jerry leaves behind a legacy as rich and enduring as the Gulf waters he called home.

Born on September 11, 1947, to Marion DeVanny Beckham and Willie Mae Ingram Beckham, Jerry was raised in Cedar Key alongside his ten brothers and sisters. His determination and competitive spirit were evident early in life. In 1965, during his senior year of high school, he helped lead the Cedar Key Sharks basketball team to a state championship victory.

Jerry carried that same grit and determination from the basketball court to the waterfront, where he learned the traditions of net fishing and oyster harvesting from his father. With little more than a pair of oyster tongs, an entrepreneurial spirit, and an intimate knowledge of the Gulf, he built a life and livelihood that would help shape the community he loved.

As Cedar Key changed through the decades, Jerry remained deeply connected to its working waterfront. He was among the early pioneers of the island's clamming industry and a steadfast advocate for its wild oyster harvesting, sharing his knowledge and experience through numerous consulting and advisory projects with the University of Florida and the State of Florida. A truly self-made businessman, Jerry created opportunities not only for himself but for others who made their living from the water.

Beyond his accomplishments on the water, Jerry was known for his larger-than-life personality, unmistakable charm, and extraordinary musical talent. Affectionately called “Teddy Bear” by friends and family, he had a voice that could captivate a crowd, whether performing on stage or singing around a campfire at the “Preacher Hole.” From Marty Robbins to Charley Pride, Jerry always had a song to sing, and wherever he went, a good time was sure to follow.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Vivian Beckham; son, Jerald Beckham Jr.; longtime partner, Laura Adams; brother, Cris Beckham; grandchildren, Megan MacIntyre, Dylan Webster, Ryan Beckham, and Olivia Webster; and great-grandchildren, Claudia and Amelia MacIntyre, and Ethan Beckham.

To those who knew him, Jerry was more than a fisherman, businessman, or singer. He was a true Cedar Key original, a man whose life was woven into the history and character of the island itself. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his stories and songs, and the unmistakable sparkle of his blue eyes and charming smile beneath the brim of his signature straw hat.

Service Arrangements

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Shiloh Cemetery in Sumner, Florida.

A reception celebrating Jerry's life will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the Cedar Key RV Resort Clubhouse, located at 11980 SW Shiloh Road, Cedar Key, FL 32625.