Charles Betts

Charles Huson Betts

Another star was added to the heavens when Charles Huson Betts passed away August 22, 2013, in Tallahassee, Florida.

Charlie was born on March 18, 1946, in Fitzgerald, Georgia to loving parents, George Huson Betts and Florence Mobley Betts. Papa and Mama B, as they were affectionately called, provided Charlie with love and appreciation for family and friends. Their home was always open to those who wanted to gather or were in need of sustenance and from them Charlie developed his love for those around him. He never met a stranger and always welcomed friends and family with a huge smile and bear hug.

After graduating from high school in Marianna, Florida, Charlie attended Chipola College and then joined the U.S. Navy in 1968. His service aboard the carrier U.S.S. John Kennedy took him to various places around the world, especially several visits to areas of the Mediterranean Sea. Through his service to our country, he made many friendships that continued throughout his life.

Upon returning to civilian life, Charlie resumed college and later took a position with the Florida State University Chemistry Department, where he remained for 25 years, retiring in 2010. Wonderful and lasting friendships were made there and he always considered himself lucky that he looked forward to going to work. Charlie attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and could always be counted on to help with work days, activities for the school, and to serve in any capacity needed. He had a deep love for nature and the outdoors and was happiest in his Airstream, parked at the lake or in the mountains.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Patty, and his two children, Kelly Betts of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Marcus Betts of Tallahassee, the absolute loves of his life. He was an integral part of their childhoods and could be counted on to take band trips and fix crew boats, travel with the wrestling team and serve as Boy Scout leader. His service to Boy Scout Troop 118 for over 10 years influenced numerous scouts as they rose through the ranks, many becoming Eagle Scouts. One of his favorite trips was taking scouts to the Boy Scout Ranch in Philmont, New Mexico and spending ten days hiking through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Charlie offered unconditional love to his family and friends. His presence in our lives made us better people and we will strive to fill the void by remembering the fine, loving man that he was. Until we meet again, "may God hold you in the palm of his hands," dearest Charlie.

A celebration of life will be held at Culley's MeadowWood Chapel on Sunday, August 25, 2013 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the following or to a charity of your choice.

American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa: http://m.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/hopelodge/tampa/index or to

National Parks Foundation, http://www.ncpa.org/ways-to-give/more-ways-to-give.html