Beckett Brothers Maytag

The Beckett Brothers were Bernard Oren ‘Bob’ Beckett (1896-1971) and Roy Russell Beckett (1909-1994). They were the sons of George Beckett and Gertrude Basham. Roy Beckett and his wife Flossie renovated the Massie Hotel, making it their home. They also owned and managed the Beckett Gulf Service Station located on State Street in Athens.

Bob worked at the Celanese Plant in Narrows, Virginia. He owned and managed the Maytag Store in the old store that was attached to the Massie Hotel as his second job.  Bob Beckett’s Maytag store was demolished during the renovation of the hotel into Roy’s home. Bob worked for a number of years at the LBM Maytag, Co., in Charleston, West Virginia before moving back to Athens after his father died. Bob worked as a lumberman when he was 21.

As a young boy growing up in Athens, Henry Friedl was well acquainted with the Beckett’s.  He said, “Mr. ‘Bob” Beckett mentored some young folks who stopped by his home garage on their bicycles to “visit” him as he worked with great dedication to repair “Maytag” wringer/automatic washers. He was always welcoming, and patiently explained the workings of electrical/mechanical projects of which he was engaged. If Mr. Bob Beckett fixed “it”, it was done right!!!”

Henry continued, “most times Mr. Bob Beckett had an unlit cigar that was part of his persona as he drove his faded Dodge with a needy washer or dryer tucked into that trusty “business coupe.” The unlit cigar often accompanied him as he unloaded the appliance, jockeyed it into his shop, and began to execute his “magic.” Sometimes Mrs. Margaret Beckett would invite me to lunch with them in their neat kitchen. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Beckett were very kind folks for sure.”

The Beckett house and Gulf Service Station were demolished to make room for the CVS Drug Store. Photographs appear in the Change chapter.