Frank Wayne Beckner, Jr. of Hampton, VA passed away suddenly Saturday, February 22, 2020.
Wayne, "JR" was a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University where he earned a B.A. in Recording Engineering. During his time spent in Tennessee, he was well known throughout Nashville in the music industry for his amazing talents and abilities on guitar, keys, fiddle, vocals, and many more instruments.
In addition to his accomplished musicianship, Wayne was a phenomenal artist, specializing in landscapes, beloved pets, and nature.
Wayne was the son of the late Frank Wayne Beckner, Sr. and Ann Beckner of Hampton. He also leaves behind four sisters- Ann England (Bobby) of Drakes Branch, VA; Virginia Blevins (Kevin) of Orange, VA; Gina Williams (Mike) of Newport News, VA; and Doris Beckner of Hampton, VA, as well as many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, as well as innumerable cousins to cherish his music, art, and sweet memories.
Wayne suffered lifelong with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a genetic brittle bone disease. He endured hundreds of fractures and surgeries throughout his life, but he always kept a sweet spirit and encouraging attitude as he persevered. His disability didn't define him, it helped to shape him into the beautiful person he was. He was a humble, selfless man who always placed the joys and desires of his friends and family above his own.
Wayne was a valued and loved faithful servant of Christ at Asbury Wesleyan Church in Newport News, VA, where he used his God-given talents every week to play the piano throughout the service.
When Wayne wasn't painting or playing music, he enjoyed spending time with loved ones, studying family history, US and world history, and taking walks with his beloved dog, Teddy Bear.
The family will receive friends and family on Friday, February 28, 2020, 7-8:30pm at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home 245 S. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 2pm at Asbury Wesleyan Church 605 Harpersville Rd., Newport News, VA with interment to follow at Parklawn Memorial Cemetery.
Following Saturday's services, an open invitation is extended to all family, friends, and loved ones to join the family for a time of celebration, storytelling, and reminiscing of favorite memories of Wayne at a reception at Asbury Wesleyan Church.
A GoFundMe Page has been set up to help assist his family with funeral arrangements and other expenses. If Wayne's music ever made you dance, smile, sing along, or even shed a tear; or if his art work just left you speechless; or if you were ever a recipient of his gentle kindness or loving tender heart, please consider making a donation to help the family respectfully and appropriately lay Wayne to rest by clicking here.