Clarence Wayne Beck Jr. passed away peacefully in Milton, FL on Sunday, Sept. 11, at the age of 78. Mr. Beck was born in Baileyton, AL on Sept. 18, 1943. He is preceded in death by his father Clarence Wayne Beck, and his mother Helen Whatley Beck.
Wayne was a member of the Howard College Golf Team in Birmingham, AL where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1964. He also attended the University of Alabama from 1964-1968. In 1969, he received his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University and was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. After serving seven years in the Alabama Air National Guard, Wayne joined the PGA Tour as a professional caddy. He spent 45 years working for some of the greatest in the game, and instrumental in David Graham’s 1981 U.S. Open win at the Marion Golf Club in Philadelphia, along with caddying for other golfing greats, Dave Hill, Billy Kratzert, John Mahaffey, Andy Bean and Jerry Pate. Wayne was an avid Alabama football fan his entire life and caddied several times for legendary coach Nick Saban, including the 2013 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Wayne concluded his stellar career on the Senior PGA Tour as Arnold Palmer’s personal caddy for over 10 years. Wayne’s fondest memories were caddying for Mr. Palmer at the Masters and crossing the famed Swilken Bridge with him at The Old Course in St. Andrews during Mr. Palmer’s final historic Open Championship round. His love and passion was traveling the world and meeting many wonderful golf celebrities and dignitaries.
Wayne will be sorely missed by his friends and the hundreds of caddies and pros that he enjoyed throughout his life. His funeral will be held Monday, Sept. 19, 1 p.m., at Holly Pond Cemetery, 714 County Rd. 1669, Holly Pond, AL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Samford University Golf Program in Birmingham, AL.
