We are deeply saddened to learn that Nashville School of Law alumnus, Tennessee Rep. Carson “Bill” Beck ’89, suddenly passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023.  Beck, who suffered a heart attack, was 61 years old.

A Democratic State Representative, Beck was elected to office in 2014 and represented House District 51, which includes downtown Nashville, East Nashville, Germantown, Inglewood, Madison, Donelson, and Old Hickory.

“Bill was a graduate of The Nashville School of Law, a dedicated supporter of the institution, and a valued member of the community. He and his entire family had a legacy, this loss which included his mother Martha Lu Cone Beck, Tom Cone, and others. He was a valued public official, a devoted husband and father, and will be missed by so many, including his many friends from The Nashville School of Law,” said Aubrey B. Harwell, Jr., Chairman of the NSL Board of Trust.

Beck, who was featured in our 2023 Spring Edition of the NSL alumni magazine, The Torch, said his favorite aspect of being a State Representative was being able to help people who needed to navigate the bureaucracy of State Government. During his legislative career, he had the opportunity to move many bills that improved the lives of Tennesseans, noting his most proud accomplishment was legislation that allowed homeless students to obtain their birth certificate for the purpose of receiving a driver’s license and applying to college and student loans and scholarship applications.

A Middle Tennessee native, Beck graduated from Belmont University and served in the Tennessee Air National Guard before attending Nashville School of Law.

NSL held special meaning to Rep. Beck. He attended School with his mother, Martha Lu Cone Beck. The two practiced law together at Beck & Beck law firm.  Beck also met his wife, Pam, at NSL.

He leaves behind his loving wife, and daughter, Meredith.