February 11, 1932 ~ January 14, 2026 (age 93)
Dr. Sidney Dwayne Beckett, 93, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Dwayne Beckett was born on February 11, 1932, to Vallie and Thomas Beckett on a farm near Bruce, Mississippi. He was the fourth of six children. He attended school in Bruce, Mississippi, graduating as valedictorian in 1949. He enrolled at Mississippi State University where he earned a degree in Agriculture in 1953. Following graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, serving two years on active duty and an additional six years in the reserves, achieving the rank of Captain.
After his discharge from the army in 1955, he enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University). Upon earning his veterinary degree, he practiced for two years in Bruce, Mississippi, before returning to Auburn in 1961 to complete a master’s in veterinary physiology and pharmacology. He then earned his PhD in Physiology from the University of Missouri in 1966. That same year, he joined Auburn University’s Department of Physiology and Pharmacology as a faculty member, dedicating twenty-eight years to teaching and research until his retirement in 1994. During his tenure at Auburn, he was recognized as Outstanding Basic Science Teacher in 1969, Distinguished Graduate Lecturer in 1981, and Alabama Veterinarian of the Year in 1994. He spent his last fourteen years at Auburn as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dwayne was a dedicated member of Auburn First Baptist Church for over sixty years, serving in various capacities. He participated in numerous mission trips, offering veterinary care in rural areas of Honduras and Ecuador and assisting in construction projects in Brazil, Spain, and Prague. He also worked with Boy Scout Troop 30 and received the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America.
Dwayne enjoyed hunting, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. He loved gardening, generously donating food to the Food Bank of East Alabama and sharing his knowledge with cherished friends.
Dwayne is survived by his beloved wife, Doris; and their three children, Paul Beckett (Glennece) of Lake Jackson, TX, Regena Isbell of Auburn, AL, and Donald Beckett (Tracy) of Huntsville, AL. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Jason, Matthew, Tripp, Kailey, Hannah, Annalee, and Kenzie (Ben). He is also survived by his sister, Jean Willis, of Grenada, Mississippi. He is preceded in death by his parents and his four brothers, Fred Beckett, James Beckett, Bill Beckett, and TA Beckett.
A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary of Auburn First Baptist Church with visitation following in the Fellowship Hall. The family will hold a private graveside service.
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