William Russel Bethay
Evergreen - William Russel Bethay, 77, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2017 at his residence in Fulton. He was born May 10, 1940, in the New Chapel Community to William "Jack" Lonnis and Dassiy Hester Bethay. In 1963, he married Shirley Gibbs. He worked at Evan's Lumber Company for 37 years, Bond's Pavement for three years and Hussey Sod Farm for three and a half years. Russell's greatest enjoyment was working with mules and wagons.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Shirley Gibbs Bethay; one daughter, Gayle McCallister of the Evergreen Community; one brother, Sammy Bethay (Betty) of Birmingham Ridge; one grandson, Lee Bethay of the Evergreen community and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Richard Bethay and one sister, Ruth Bethay Hester.
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday, December 31, 2017, at W. E. Pegues, Tupelo.
Services will be 11:00 am Monday, January 1, 2018, at Jefferson Street Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Bro. Joey Goodwin officiating. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Joe Green, Chris Gillentine, David Gillentine, Lowery Little, Bill Schumpert, and Mike Barber.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mr. Milton Schumpert, Mr. John Goode, Mr. Phil, Billy Deaton and all of his coffee drinking buddies at Dago's.
The service will be live streamed and recorded for those who may not be able to attend at
www.peguesfuneralhome.com
.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital PO Box 1893 Memphis, TN 38101.
Expressions of sympathy may be left at
www.peguesfuneralhome.com
.