Dr Richard Wayne Beckford
August 27, 1966 - December 24, 2025

Dr. Richard Wayne Beckford, Ph.D.

Director of Bands | Visionary Music Educator | Man of Faith

www.RichardBeckfordFoundation.org

Dr. Richard Wayne Beckford, Ph.D., a visionary music educator, revered band director, composer, arranger, mentor, and servant-leader, transitioned from labor to reward after a life devoted to faith, family, excellence, and purpose. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, to Vincent and Norma Beckford, Dr. Beckford’s journey has spanned generations leaving an indelible imprint on music education and the lives of many.

His life bore witness to the truth of Jeremiah 29:11 “a life guided by divine purpose, discipline, and unwavering faith”. His calling was clear early: to use music not merely as performance, but as ministry, mentorship, and transformation.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

A Legacy Forged in Excellence

Dr. Beckford was a 1984 graduate of Miami Carol City High school where he learned the sousaphone and taught himself to arrange music. As a senior, along with his fellow classmate, Kevin Desir, they arranged and composed the Miami Carol City senior high Alma Mater. Still heard on the school’s campus today.

Dr. Beckford was also a 1989 alumnus of Florida A&M University where his musical foundation was further shaped within the world-renowned Marching “100.” Majoring in Music Education, he distinguished himself as a student leader, serving multiple years as tuba section leader and earning the rare honor of being the only student arranger during his tenure. His extraordinary gifts were personally affirmed by the legendary Dr. William P. Foster, whose stellar example and encouragement helped propel Dr. Beckford into a lifetime of excellence and service.

A proud member of the Delta Iota chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Music Fraternity, Dr. Beckford embodied the fraternity’s ideals of fostering leadership, musicianship, and brotherhood. Later on in his journey, he would be instrumental in the chartering of the Zi Epsilon chapter of the fraternity.

He later earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and a Ph.D. in Music Education, equipping him to lead not only bands, but institutions, programs, and lives.

For over 30 years, Dr. Beckford served with distinction as an educator and band director. At the start of his career he began back at his Alma Mater, Carol City High School. With show stopping drill concepts, and captivating arrangements, for 13 years he planted poignant seeds in the Marching Chief band program. He later spent 15 impactful years as Director of Bands at Blanche Ely High School, where his program flourished musically and culturally, earning widespread respect and acclaim.

“To whom much is given, much is required.” — Luke 12:48

In early 2020, Dr. Beckford answered a historic call when he was appointed Director of Bands at Florida Memorial University. With no instruments, uniforms, or existing infrastructure, he founded The ROAR Marching Band. Guided by faith, vision, and relentless commitment to excellence.

Under his leadership, The ROAR Earned ESPN’s Inaugural HBCU Band of the Year (Division II/NAIA), Represented FMU and the United States internationally at the Bandafolies in Paris, France, along with performing in city staple events such as the MLK Day Parade in Miami, and more. The program expanded rapidly, becoming a cornerstone of school pride and student identity. More recently the FMU HEAT HYPE Band was launched in collaboration with the Miami Heat, elevating FMU’s cultural footprint across South Florida even further.

Dr. Beckford’s creativity as a composer, arranger, drill writer, and clinician has made him one of the most respected voices in the community. His halftime productions and musical arrangements have been performed nationwide, capturing cultural moments and inspiring excellence wherever they were heard.

Mentorship That Transcended Music

Dr. Beckford’s impact reached far beyond the band room. He built confidence, instilled discipline, modeled integrity, and opened doors for students to see themselves as leaders, scholars, and change-makers. Many of his protégés now serve as educators, professionals, and leaders across the nation—living testimonies to his influence.

Beyond accolades and accomplishments, Dr. Beckford was first and foremost a man of God. His faith anchored his leadership, informed his decisions, and shaped his mentorship. He believed deeply that every student carried God-given potential and it was his responsibility to help awaken it.

He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a faithful friend, and a steady covering for his family. He transitioned in Gainesville, at Shands Hospital, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his beautiful wife Margarita, and four daughters Ayesha, Jazmyn, Aria , Angelique, and 3 grandchildren, Calvin Morris III, Amri Morris, and Naomi Grace Williams. Those closest to him knew him as compassionate, principled, prayerful, and fiercely committed to those he loved.

“The righteous leave a legacy for their children’s children.” — Proverbs 13:22

The Beckford Legacy Foundation (Legacy Statement)

In honor of his life’s work, the Richard Wayne Beckford Legacy Foundation stands as a continuation of his calling. Dedicated to advancing music education, supporting student access, opportunity, and leadership development, preserving excellence within HBCU band culture, and mentoring the next generation of educators and creatives.

The foundation exists to ensure that Dr. Beckford’s vision lives on—not only in memory, but in action, opportunity, and transformation.

www.RichardBeckfordFoundation.org

A Life That Still Speaks

Dr. Richard Wayne Beckford lived fully, loved deeply, served faithfully, and led courageously. His baton may be at rest, but his rhythm lives on—in every student he inspired, every band he built, every note he arranged, and every life he touched.

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… for their works follow them.” — Revelation 14:13

His legacy is not an ending—it is a continuation.

Visitation:
Friday, January 9, 2026
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Florida Memorial University

15800 NW 42nd Ave
Miami Gardens, Florida 33054

Funeral Service:
Saturday, January 10, 2026
12:00 PM
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Miami Gardens

21311 NW 34th Ave
Miami Gardens, FL 33056