Billy Ray Bethune, 89, of Fort Payne, passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023. He was born March 2, 1934 to the late Jesse Bethune and Lillian Miller Bethune. A graduate of DeKalb County High School, he was a retired architectural engineer with Kingsberry/Kings Haven Inc. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church and a kind and gentle man who loved music, especially gospel hymns. He enjoyed Alabama football and cherished his family.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church with Dr. Marshall Henderson and Dr. Pat McFadden officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Friday from 12 noon until the 2 p.m. hour of service at First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org
He is survived by his daughter Melanie Roberts and husband Todd; grandchildren Jordan Roberts and wife Rebekah and Julianna Roberts.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Gwen Freeman Bethune and his sister Estelle Bell.
Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is in charge of arrangements.
