Tennessee lawmakers are mourning the loss of State Representative Carson “Bill” Beck (D-Nashville) who passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Sunday.
Beck was first elected to the House in 2014 and served as a member on many committees, including the Civil Justice Committee, State Government Committee, Transportation Committee, Ethics Committee, Civil Justice Subcommittee, Departments & Agencies Subcommittee, and Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Subcommittee.
We are collectively mourning the loss of State Representative Carson “Bill” Beck who passed away from a heart attack earlier today. A widely respected attorney, Bill Beck was first elected to the House in 2014.
— TN House Democrats (@TNDemocrats) June 5, 2023
Beck’s district included parts of downtown Nashville, East Nashville, Germantown, Inglewood, Madison, Old Hickory, and parts of Donelson throughout his tenure in the House, according to the TN House Democratic Caucus.
Elected officials at the federal and state level mourned Beck’s passing.
House Minority Leader Karen Camper (D–Memphis) stated, “Bill Beck was one of my closest friends. He was not only my colleague, but also my confidant. His warmth, intellect & passion for people made the House a better place. Bill was well respected by members on both sides of the aisle.”
.@MariaLeeTN and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Rep. Bill Beck, a faithful, dedicated public servant and friend. We pray God’s peace and comfort over his family and loved ones during this time.
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) June 5, 2023
Governor Bill Lee wrote in a social media post, [Maria] and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Rep. Bill Beck, a faithful, dedicated public servant and friend. We pray for God’s peace and comfort over his family and loved ones during this time.
Our hearts are heavy for the friends and family of the late Representative Bill Beck. He was a true statesman and strong voice for his constituents in Nashville. We appreciate his great service to Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/vhyVRzWNHY
— TN Attorney General (@AGTennessee) June 5, 2023
Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti called Beck a “true statesman and strong voice for his constituents in Nashville,” adding, “We appreciate his great service to Tennessee.”
I am saddened to learn about the passing of Rep. Bill Beck. He was smart, witty, and passionate. He treated others with respect, and he served our state well. Please lift up his family in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/K7qEpMljy5
— Tre Hargett (@tnsecofstate) June 4, 2023
Secretary of State Tre Hargett stated that Beck was “smart, witty, and passionate,” adding that he “treated others with respect, and he served our state well.”
We are incredibly saddened to hear that our colleague, Rep. Bill Beck, has unexpectedly passed away. Bill was a dedicated servant and powerful voice for the city of Nashville, a husband, father, and friend to everyone in the General Assembly.
— Speaker Cameron Sexton (@CSexton25) June 4, 2023
House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) called Beck a “dedicated servant and powerful voice for the city of Nashville, a husband, father, and friend to everyone in the General Assembly.”
Bill had that ability to still be your friend even when he totally disagreed with you. The people of Nashville lost a effective leader and the @TNHouseReps lost a friend. pic.twitter.com/QzaDCOvoT6
— Jeremy Faison (@JeremyFaison4TN) June 5, 2023
House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) stated, “Bill had that ability to still be your friend even when he totally disagreed with you. The people of Nashville lost an effective leader and the [Tennessee House of Representatives] lost a friend.”
Camie and I are praying for State Representative Beck’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Bill served the people of Davidson County with everything he had—he will be missed.
— Rep. Mark Green (@RepMarkGreen) June 5, 2023
Republican U.S. Representative Mark Green (R-TN-07) added in a social media post, “Camie and I are praying for State Representative Beck’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Bill served the people of Davidson County with everything he had—he will be missed.”
Bill Beck was a constant charming and kind presence. He brightened every room with his grace and wit, and he made politics better for us all. Bill was a true friend, and we will miss him everyday. Our prayers are with his wife Pam & their family as we all mourn this tragic loss.
— John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) June 5, 2023
Nashville Mayor John Cooper called Beck a “constant charming and kind presence,” adding, “He brightened every room with his grace and wit, and he made politics better for us all.”
For Immediate Attention: 6/5/2023.
THE TENNESSEE BLACK CAUCUS MOURNS THE LOSS OF REPRESENTATIVE CARSON "BILL" BECK pic.twitter.com/JzchifXjHF
— Tennessee Black Caucus (@TNblackcaucus) June 5, 2023
The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators also published a press release mourning Beck’s passing, stating, “[Beck] was a phenomenal legislator, a true Democrat, and a loyal friend to the TN Black Caucus.”
Beck was 61 at the time of his passing.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “State Rep. Bill Beck” by Bill Beck.
