Rev. Robert Little Bethea III

Rev. Robert (Bob) Little Bethea, III

The Rev. Robert (Bob) Little Bethea III 75, died peacefully at home on October 30, 2015. Bob was born in Augusta, Georgia, growing up in Louisville, Georgia.

He was the second child of Robert Little Bethea Jr. and Anne Clarke Bethea and the grandson of Martha Pughsley Clarke, William Enoch Clarke, Jr. Frances Brown Bethea and Mayor Robert Little Bethea, Sr.

Bob graduated from Louisville Academy and Presbyterian College. He did post graduate work at the University of Georgia.

Early in his life, Bob had a career as a salesman in the steel industry. It was this work that brought him to the Pacific Northwest. After several years he left that career for his vocation as an Episcopal priest. He graduated from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in 1982 with a Masters Degree in Divinity. Upon ordination Bob returned to the Diocese of Olympia (Western Washington), serving congregations in Issaquah, Mill Creek and Bellevue before his retirement. After retirement he served St. Antony of Egypt Episcopal Church, Silverdale, WA. Bob was a member of the Diocesan Commission on Ministry and taught at the Diocesan School of Theology.

Bob was an avid mountain climber, runner, and sailor. Most recently he discovered fly fishing, making several trips annually to fish in Montana.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joan Anthony, his sister, Martha C. Bethea, and four sons; James (Patti), R. Todd (Kirsten), Matthew (Carrie) and Stephen (Monika). He is also survived by ten grandchildren to whom he was devoted.

A celebration of the life of the Rev. Robert Little Bethea III will be held on Sat., November 21, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle, WA. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to St. Antony of Egypt Episcopal Church, Silverdale, WA or the Parkinson's Association.