William Bethea III

1951 - 2015

William Dallas Bethea, III

Madison

William Dallas Bethea, III, age 64, died at home in Madison on Saturday, August 29, 2015, surrounded by his family and those who loved him.

Mr. Bethea was born March 20, 1951, in Laurel, MS. He lived his formative years in Laurel and graduated from R. H. Watkins High School receiving many honors including President of the Student Body. He was active in the First Presbyterian Church, Laurel, MS participating in the Presbyterian Youth programs across the state. Bill was an accomplished tennis player. He was on the high school tennis team, competed in statewide tournaments and was seeded #1 in high school tennis in MS. Bill played Little League baseball and watching the World Series each year was a highlight for him.

He graduated from The University of the South at Sewanee, TN where he played on their tennis team and was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Mr. Bethea attended the University Of Mississippi School Of Law, was a member of the Mississippi Bar and practiced in Gulfport, MS for thirty four years.

For the last three years Bill has made his home with his daughter, Lauren in Madison, MS. He attended First Baptist Church-Jackson, where he was a faithful member of the John Little Senior Adult Sunday School Class. He also enjoyed the Tuesday Men's Luncheons. Bill was an avid sports fan. He attended the Saints games cheering them on and loved the New York Yankees.

Highlights since becoming ill were attending a New York Yankees vs. Red Sox ballgame in Boston and several Saints games in New Orleans with his daughters.

Mr. Bethea was preceded in death by his parents, William Dallas Bethea, Jr. and Anne Jenkins Bethea of Laurel and Jackson, MS.

Survivors include daughters, Dr. Lauren Bethea, Madison, MS, and Katie (Sam) Rogers, Boston, MA and their mother Kathleen Hand Bethea of Jackson; sisters, Sally (Dolan) Self and Katie Cuchens all of Madison; and brother, Jim (Molly) Bethea, Zachary, LA; nephews, Captain Will Cuchens, Charleston, SC, Bryan Cuchens, Denver, CO; nieces, Jessica (Andy) Carpenter, Leawood, KS, Emily (Tom) Mihalenko, Boynton Beach, FL, and Chris Bethea, Pearl River, LA; and great-nieces Abby and Maggie Carpenter, Leawood, KS.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at 10AM at First Baptist Church-Jackson with the funeral at 11AM in the First Baptist Church-Jackson Chapel.

A private graveside service will be held in Laurel.

Our family's deepest gratitude is extended to Dr. Ruth K. Fredericks and her staff for their extraordinary care during the last 3 years.

Memorials may be made to The American Brain Tumor Association, First Baptist Church -Jackson, 431 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39201 or First-Trinity Presbyterian Church, 500 North 5th Avenue, Laurel, MS 39440.