Shirley Edward "Rifleman-306" Betts

The family of Mr. Shirley Edward Betts gratefully acknowledges all expressions of sympathy shown during their time of bereavement and loss. May God continue to richly bless each of you.

Mr. Shirley Edward Betts, age eighty-eight, departed this life and entered into eternal rest early Sunday morning, August 17, 2025 at Roxboro Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Person County. He was born December 18, 1936 in Granville County to the late Fenton and Eva Allen Betts, a former member of Blue Wing Missionary Baptist Church and earlier in life, was part of the staff at what was then Albright & Cunningham Funeral Home (now Cunningham & Associates Funeral Services, LLC.)

Shirley acquired his nickname, "Rifleman~306," because he was known for excellent marksmanship during his hunting pursuits. He also loved fishing and earlier in his life, went deep-sea fishing.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, June Delores Betts; a daughter, Angela Betts; a granddaughter, Chantel Hobbs; and several brothers and sisters.

He leaves to cherish precious memories, three children: Geraldine Betts, Chicqueta Betts Smith and Edward LaDonta Betts (Lanette), all of Roxboro, North Carolina; grandchildren: Antoine Betts; (Addylean) and Chanse Betts, both of Roxboro, Edward L. Betts, Jr. of San Diego, California, Skylar Smith (Kallie) of Danville, Virginia and Lucas Betts, also of Roxboro; bonus grandchild, Victoria Smith Carr (Terrell) of Halifax, Virginia; great-grandchildren: Autumn Serenity Blanchard, Jayden Blanchard and Jayla Blanchard, all of Danville; two bonus great-grandchildren: Jaquan Smith and Trinity Carr, also of Halifax; sisters: Janice Johnson of Raleigh, North Carolina and Janet Thompson (Jerry) of Roxboro; two special nieces: Cassandra G. Young of Granville County and Marguerite Wright of Roxboro; two sisters-in-law: Adele Williams of Roxboro and Daphene Bradsher of Durham, North Carolina; brothers-in law: Clyde Boykins (Mary) of Richmond, Virginia, Melvin Norwood, Luke Norwood and Otis Norwood, all of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and a host of other nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 1:00pm at Cunningham & Associates Funeral Services Chapel with the Reverend Ronald Booker, Pastor at Jones Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, providing the eulogy. Burial will follow at the Blue Wing Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 575 Blue Wing Road (State Road #1332), Roxboro, North Carolina 27574 (Granville County.)

A Public viewing and visitation will be Wednesday at the funeral home from 1:00pm to 6:00pm, with the family present during the last hour from 5:00pm to 6:00pm.

His body will lie in state at the Chapel from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, one hour prior to the service.

At other times, the family will receive visitors at his home, 134 Hill Street in Roxboro 27573.

Please visit our website RESOURCES tab to view a list of local florists.