Document Type
Finding Aid
Publication Date
11-9-2018
Inclusive Dates--Span
1990-2012
Inclusive Dates--Bulk
1970-2012
Scope and Content Note
This collection consists of articles, notes, speeches, publications, and correspondence related to Highland Church of Christ, Herald of Truth, Abilene Christian University, Pepperdine University, Care Ministry, and Cancer Ministry.
Biographical Note
Biographical information from ACU Today:
Becton was born Sept. 17, 1944, in Nashville, Tenn. He grew up in Nashville and attended Lipscomb Academy where he was a basketball standout and pitched on the baseball team, beginning a lifelong love for baseball that included an extensive baseball card collection he shared generously with young players. He married Camilla Greer on Aug. 22, 1966.
After graduating from Lipscomb University in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in Bible, he began graduate studies at the Harding School of Theology but followed his major professor, Dr. George Gurganus, to Abilene Christian University where he earned his master’s degree in missions in 1971. In 1969, he began a career with Herald of Truth, serving in numerous roles including executive director from 1991 until his retirement in 2006, though he continued to serve as minister-at-large. Under his leadership at Herald of Truth, the international radio and television ministry expanded to include multiple programs. He was instrumental in creation of the annual Saving the American Family Conference; as editor of UpReach magazine and as speaker for Caring Touch Radio; and numerous television specials. He was the author of 15 books.
In 1973, just months after the birth of his and Camilla’s third child, Becton was diagnosed with leucytic lymphoma, beginning a journey of treatment, remissions, surgeries, complications and side-effects spanning more than 40 years, defying his doctors’ predictions. The experience inspired the Bectons in 1978 to begin the Caring Cancer Ministry, an outreach of comfort and encouragement for patients and their families; publishing books and pamphlets for patients, caregivers and ministers; and personally corresponding with hundreds of individuals battling cancer.
For 16 years, Becton served as an elder at Highland Church of Christ, which honored him in 1994 for 25 years of service to many ministries. For the past several years he has been a member of University Church of Christ.
Donor Note
The Becton family
Arrangement
Materials are arranged in 16 boxes.
Content List
See PDF finding aid for folder-level inventory
Subjects
Churches of Christ--Texas
Churches of Christ--Texas (Abilene)
Churches of Christ, Stone-Campbell Movement
Restoration Movement
Language
ENGLISH
Extent of Collection
14 linear feet (16 boxes)
Manuscript Number
Center for Restoration Studies Manuscripts #458
Physical Location
Center for Restoration Studies
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], [file or folder name], Edwin Randall “Randy” Becton Papers, 1970-2012. Center for Restoration Studies MS #458. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.
Use Restrictions
Open to researchers. Contact Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives to make an appointment.
Processing Status
Processed
Finding Aid created by
D. Morrison, Mac Ice, Amanda Dietz
Comments
Please contact us with questions about our holdings or to schedule a research visit.