Beckham Esham, Jr.

Mr. Beckham Esham Jr., 81, of Morehead, passed away at his residence on Saturday, July 22, 2017 after an extended illness with cancer with his family at his side.

Known as J.R. to his family and many friends, he was born on September 27, 1935 in Lewis County, Kentucky to the late Beckham and Fanny Estep Esham.

Beckham was united in marriage to Norlene Plank Esham on March 24, 1958. He loved his wife and family dearly.

Mr. Esham worked at Ray L. White and Sons Lumber Company. He was also a mechanic on weekends and drilled water wells for eleven years.

He enjoyed farming, fishing, current events in the world, state, and local, was an avid John Wayne fan, and agriculture was his passion.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Eloise Dummitt, and one brother Larry Esham.

Survivors include his wife, Norlene Plank Esham, one son Mark Allen Esham, one daughter Peggy Esham Taylor and husband Willis, a sister Mildred Evans and husband Lester, a niece Connie Evans Proudfoot and husband Richard, three grandchildren, Stephany Stone (Dale), Amber Justice (John), and Cody Esham, also eight great-grandchildren, Gracie, Waylon, Levi, Caeyden, Paxton, Kash, Bella Rose, and Jace whom he loved dearly.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 25, 2017 in the chapel of the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead with Rev. Butch Kelsey and Rev. Don Rivers officiating.

Burial will follow in the Plank Cemetery.

Visitation is after 6:00 P.M. Monday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Willis Taylor, Joe Esham, Vernon Estep, Woodie Estep, Dale Stone, John Justice, and Cody Esham.