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.
Prayers continues for the family.
I hope we all have the strength to recover from the pain. For your family i pray for comfort. I remembered the time I bet you that I could back the 1088 into motor pool without pulling forward. The bet if i did it the Soldiers could leave early i didnt and you still allowed them to get off early. Always Soldiers first kind of guy.
Thank you for your service to our country and family. You will be MISSED. Tina
To the family of MSG Bethea, I send my deepest condolences to all of you at your loss. MSG Bethea was an awesome Soldier and an amazing man and friend. I was coming through Newberry, SC last week where we served last together and I thought about him. I broke down on Monday morning when 1SG Burns called to tell me the tragic news. He will be deeply missed by so many Soldiers that he touched over the years including me. May God bless him and keep him and make His face shine on all of you. God Bless MSG Bethea until we meet again my brother!!!
LTC (Ret) Christopher Meetze, Sr.
Deepest sympathy may God be with your family in your time if grief. Christeen Barr Patton
TO MY Bethea Family my condolences and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Donald was a kind and gentle soul and always greeted me with a smile. He always treated AJ as if he was one of his own sons and for that I am truly grateful. He will be missed by all.
FROM:PASTOR LARRY FARMER(COUSINS)
My Condolences to The Bethea Family,LOVE and PRAYING for you all daily.Be of Good Courage and Of Good Strength(ISAIAH 26:1,2)"WE HAVE A STRONG CITY;SALVATION WILL GOD APPOINT FOR WALLS AND BULWARKS.OPEN YE THE GATES,THAT THE RIGHTEOUS NATION WHICH KEEPETH TRUTH MAY ENTER IN.TRUST YE IN THE LORD FOR EVER;FOR IN THE LORD JEHOVAH IS EVERLAS
My condolences to The Bethea Family,LOVE and PRAYING for you all daily.Be Of Good Courage and of Good Strength.(ISAIAH 26:1,2)"WE HAVE A STRONG CITY;SALVATION WILL GOD APPOINT FOR WALLS AND BULWARKS.OPEN YE THE GATES, THAT THE RIGHTEOUS NATION WHICH KEEPETH TRUTH MAY ENTER IN.TRUST YE IN THE LORD FOREVER;FOR IN THE LORD JEHOVAH IS EVERLASTING STRENGTH:
To Charles, Al, and the entire Bethea family, we send our love and heartfelt condolences. We are so sorry to hear about Donald. We are praying for strength for your entire family in order to ensure this tragedy. Willie Peppers and family
My condolences to Donald's family. May our Lord jesus christ bring you all peace. Lean on him.....you want fall.
My condolescences to the Family. Donald was kind and caring to all of those who he came in contact with. May God grant you peace and comfort during this time of distress. Latrae Woodberry and JJ McAllister
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your love one. I've known Donald for many years, very good man with a personality unchanging. Praying for you and your family. Lean on God, he want let you fall.
Denise Boatwright & family
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.