Richard M. Betts

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Miles Betts, US Army Chaplain Retired, 92 of Sanford, NC peacefully passed away at home on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 30 at 11 am at Cool Springs Baptist Church, Sanford.  The family will greet friends before the service, 10-11 am.  A private burial will be held at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, Spring Lake on Wednesday, May 1 with full military honors.  

Richard was born on November 23, 1931 in Atoka, OK to the late Charles Walker Betts and Thelma Mittie Miles Betts.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Glenda Jane Stell Betts and siblings, Estelle Hinson, Ramsey Betts, and David Betts.  

Richard retired from the US Army as a Chaplain after over 22 years of service during which time he served in Korea and Vietnam twice.  He received multiple honors and medals including two Bronze Stars, one for Valor, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Five Overseas Service Bars.  He was a member of the US Army Chaplain Corps Regimental Association and graduated from California Baptist University, Pepperdine University and Golden Gate Seminary.  He was also certified in Marriage and Family Counseling.

After retiring from the US Army, Richard worked as a Prison Chaplain in Lane, OK for 11 years. He loved his farm of approximately 260 acres in Atoka, OK with his cows, pigs, chickens, horses, one goat, multiple dogs and cats, and working in the fields of hay.   Throughout his life he served the Lord as a Pastor, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and church leader.   He was very proud of his Native American, Choctaw, heritage.  He and Louisa moved to Carolina Trace in Sanford in 2017 and have enjoyed their home and friends.  Richard will be dearly missed by everyone he met and knew.  

Surviving are his lovingly devoted wife of 42 years, Louisa Lazarowics Betts; his children, Barbara Hawkins (Reid) of Arroyo Grande, CA, Mitch Betts of Jackson, CA, and Keith Betts (Deborah) of Sanford; sister, Angie Darrah; four grandchildren, April Babuljak (Steve), Carrie Hames (Josh), Kyle Hawkins, and Zack Hawkins; three great grandchildren, Robin Hawkins, and Claire and Vera Hames.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kent Bullard Scholarship Fund at Cool Springs Baptist Church, 1313 Cool Springs Rd, Sanford, NC 27330 or California Baptist University, Office of University Advancement, 8432 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504. (Make a note: in memory of Richard Betts for the School of Christian Ministries).