Kenneth R. McBeath died Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at River Region Medical Center at the age of 79.

He was born in Neshoba County on June 1, 1932. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ada McBeath; two brothers; and three sisters.

In 1961, he and his family moved to Jackson where he was employed by JW Underwood before moving in 1964 to Vicksburg, where he worked at Donnell Builders as their job foreman until 1978. At that time, he established Kenneth McBeath Custom Home Builders until his retirement in 1999.

In his career as a custom home builder, he was known for his high quality of work, superb craftsmanship and his meticulous attention to detail. During this time, he constructed approximately 400 homes to satisfied clients. His reputation as a homebuilder was well-known and highly respected by his colleagues.

In his early childhood, he was a member of the Steam Mill Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Sebastopol, Miss. Presently, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg. He was a former member of Vicksburg Home Builders Association, a charter member of the Lions Club of Warren County, a lifetime member of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International and a veteran of the United States Army.

One of the great joys of his life was traveling with his wife extensively through the United States and Canada in their Airstream RV, visiting all states with the exception of Rhode Island and Hawaii.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Wynette; daughter Marla Bonelli (Joe), son Kim McBeath (Sylvia) and daughter Lisa Ferreri (Gary); grandsons, Joseph Michael Bonelli Jr. and John McBeath Bonelli; granddaughter, Megan Marie Ferreri; two sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express appreciation for the kindness and care provided by Dr. Paul Pierce III, Dr. Paul Pierce IV and the ICU staff at River Region, especially Melanie Nelson, Krystal Norris, Craig Harris, Maurice Mosley and Leslie Grace.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in the chapel of Glenwood Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim Brown officiating. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. Saturday until the hour of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored by donations to First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg, American Cancer Society or French Camp Academy.