MSG. Donald F. Bethea was born on December 1, 1963 to the late Andrew F. Bethea Jr. and Lular R. Bethea. He departed this earthly life on Sunday, September 1, 2019 in Marion, South Carolina.

Donald graduated from Dillon High School in the class of 1982. After high school he joined the National Guard serving thirty-four years. He did three deployments. He helped with numerous natural disaster relief operations. He was a certified diesel mechanic, owned and operated his own trucking company called Bethea’s Diesel. Donald was the first Sergeant over the National Guard Unit in Bennettsville, South Carolina. Later, transferred to Newberry National Guard Armory. He also joined the Masonic Lodge Morning Glory Lodge #354, and he was also the co-founder of Brother to Brother Motorcycle Club in Dillon, South Carolina.

Donald was preceded in death by his son: Dondi Bethea and a sister: Thelma Bethea.

Donald leaves to cherish fond and loving memories ~ a loving wife: Shirl T. Bethea of the home; two sons: Fuqua (Tiara) Bethea of Brooklyn, NY, Xavier (Keshia) Bethea of Fort Drum, NY; one daughter: Shayla Williams of Charlotte, NC; one grandson: Oliver Andrew Bethea of Fort Drum, NY; one great nephew: Kamaria Alls of Jacksonville, NC; four nieces whom he reared as his own: Mahagonee of Jacksonville, NC, Nyjee, Harmonee, Yoonitee Alls all of Florence, SC; five brothers: William Ray Bethea of Raeford, NC, Vernon Bethea of Latta, SC, Lamont Bethea of Fayetteville, NC, Charles (Lydia) Bethea of Jackson, TN, Alvin (Sherry) Bethea of Louisville, KY; four sisters: Nellie Nero, Gwen Grice both of Dillon, SC, Pam (Mitchell) Davis, Stephanie (Herman) Legette both of Latta, SC; father-n-law: Oliver Alls of Latta, SC; mother-n-law: Shirley Alls of Brooklyn, NY; brother-n-law: Elder Ray (Valerie) Alls of San Antonio, TX; sister-n-law: Tina Alls of Brooklyn, NY, Muffen Alls of Florence, SC; a special nephew and his working partner: Reggie Grice; special friend: Rex Oxendine and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.