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 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 sister, Ruth Bethay Hester and one son, Richard Bethay.
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 Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Joe Green, Chris Gillentine, David Gillentine, Lowery Little, Bill Schumpert, and Mike Barner.
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.
Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.
SERVICES
Visitation
Sunday, December 31, 2017
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors
535 W Jefferson St
Tupelo, Mississippi 38804
Funeral Service
Monday, January 01, 2018
11:00 AM
Jefferson Street Chapel of W.E. Pegues
535 W. Jefferson Street
Tupelo, MS 38804
