Photo courtesy of Proctor Funeral Home - Camden
Camden, Arkansas
Mar 2, 1931 – Nov 20, 2019 (Age 88)
James Wayne Bethea, Sr., age 88, died November 20, 2019. He was born on March 2, 1931, in Camden, Arkansas to Fred H. and Bessie Henderson Bethea. Wayne grew up in Camden, and graduated from Camden High School, where he won consecutive state track championships and played football under legendary coach Sam Coleman. After high school, he attended Southern State College, until he joined the Air Force at the beginning of the Korean War. He served as an officer in Germany and Libya in signals intelligence. Upon returning home, he met the love of his life, Gale Jacquelene Duncan. They met on the steps of the old post office while checking their mail. They were married for 53 years, and were self-employed business partners for 40 of those years. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, where he served on the administrative board.
Mr. Bethea was preceded in death by his wife Gale, his brothers Fred Jr., Byron, Charles, and Bobby Gene, and by his sister Lucille Westbrook. He is survived by his daughter Phyllis Bethea Burger (Tom) of Camden, and son James Wayne Bethea, Jr. (Kim) of Stuttgart. More than anything, he enjoyed being “Papaw” to his four grandsons, Brock Bethea Burger of Camden, Dr. Barrett James Burger of Little Rock, William Cade Bethea of Little Rock, and Mills Douglas Bethea of Stuttgart.
The family would especially like to express their sincere appreciation to long-time caregivers Onyse Moore and Emma Scott, as well as Dr. Dan Martin and OCMC Hospice.
A celebration of life will be held at First United Methodist Church, Camden, Arkansas at 1:00 on Friday, November 22nd, followed by afternoon coffee, one of his favorite things. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Camden.
Wayne Bethea was a straight up guy... married to Lindas aunt. what a pleasure it was to know this guy! You could trust him... well miss you Wayne Bethea!
Jerry Milner
November 21, 2019 | Camden, AR | Family
Our deepest condolences. We will have all of you in our thoughts as well as our prayers
Burk and Sharon Buerkle
November 21, 2019 | Maumelle, AR | Friend
Phyllis, James, and families, I was so sorry to learn of the loss of Wayne. Wayne, Gale, and my parents used to go frog gigging @ White Oak Lake together before any of us children came along. Such wonderful memories hearing those stories passed down through the years! May wonderful memories of such a well-lived life sustain you now and in the coming months. In deepest sympathy.
Angela Livingston Groves
November 21, 2019 | Camden, AR | Friend
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gayla Marcum Holeman
November 21, 2019 | Camden, AR | Friend
I remember him as a local business that built several stores especially topper hill. My prayers to the entire family.
Johnny Daniel
November 21, 2019 | Houston, TX | Friend
we will miss you. you were a fantastic neighbor.
Jim west
November 21, 2019 | Hot Springs, AR
It is a very sad day for us as we mourn the passing of the last of six siblings. Family gatherings of the Bethea clan were filled with howls of laughter because they all had a sense of humor like no other. We will remember Uncle Wayne as a caring man with a twinkle in his eyes as we knew that he, Uncle Bobby Gene and my Dad were beginning to tell some tall tale. Our deepest sympathy to our cousins Phyllis and James and their families. Knowing they are all reunited with their Heavenly Father...
Amin & Melanie Sahli
November 21, 2019 | Phoenix, AZ | Family
I am so sorry for your loss...I know he will be missed.
Judy Bethea
November 21, 2019 | Hot Springs, AR | Friend
Deepest sympathy for the entire family. May God keep you in his warm embrace and give you strength as you go through this difficult time. Love lisa hartsfield
Lisa Hartsfield
November 21, 2019 | Camden | Friend