Kenneth Sparks Beckner, 63, died from head trauma on Monday May 19, 2008, at Carolinas Medical Center. He was born in Winston-Salem on April 24, 1945. Ken was the son of the late Melvin Sides Beckner and Virginia Sparks Beckner. He was a graduate of Southwest High School class of 1964 and served during the Vietnam Conflict in the Air Force. Ken retired as a ground school instructor for US Airways in 2000 where he worked for both Piedmont Airlines and US Airways for a total 32 years. For the last several years, Ken was the owner and president of Amelia Renovations Inc. and was N.C. licensed general contractor. Ken was a member of St. John' s Baptist Church and a member of the Farside Sunday school class. He also served on the House and Grounds Committee on behalf of the church. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 23, at St. John' s Baptist Church. The family will receive friends after the service in Broach Hall. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Farside Sunday school class. He was preceded in death by nephew Brian Beckner. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Lynn Kerley Beckner; a daughter, Meghan of the home; a son, Todd, and his wife, Paige, of Winston-Salem; three brothers, Gray, L.J. and Henry Beckner of Winston-Salem; a sister, Diann Sweet, also of Winston-Salem; two grandchildren, Tyler and Sydney Beckner; three nieces, Donna Boyles, Angie Richards and Nikki Covington; and three nephews, Chris Sweet, Keith Beckner and Butch Beckner. Memorials may be made to St. John' s Baptist Church, 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204. Harry and Bryant Co. is serving the family of Mr. Beckner.

Published in the Winston-Salem Journal from 5/21/2008 - 5/22/2008.