Reverend Charles Farrar Betts of Decatur passed away on November 10, 2026. He was born April 23, 1932 in Overton, AL, to Henry Ellis Betts and Bessie Dyer Betts. He grew up in the coal mining community of Margaret in St. Clair County, Alabama.
Charles is survived by his son, Dr. Charles F. Betts, Jr. (Sylvia) of Decatur, grandchildren Cathorine Betts Temple (Forrest) of Decatur, Andrew Betts (Lyndsey) of Cedar Park, TX and Phillip Betts (Kelly) of Colorado Springs, CO. He was also blessed with great granddaughters: Leta, Eliza and Rosemary Temple; and Mila and Ellie Betts.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Martha Jean Thomas Betts and by their daughter, Cathorine Elaine Betts.
After graduating from St. Clair County High School (Odenville), Charles attended the University of Alabama, graduating in 1953 with an A.B. Degree. After graduation, he served as a commissioned officer in the U. S. Army for 21 months, one year of which was service in Korea. Afterward he attended Emory University, earning a Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Arts in religion.
In 1956, Charles was licensed to preach at First Methodist Church, Tuscaloosa, under the ministry of Dr. Henry Chitwood. He was ordained an elder in the North Alabama Conference in 1959. In addition to serving as pastor of numerous churches, Charles also served as a campus minister, Conference Staff member and District Superintendent. After retirement in 1997 he served part time as a consultant. Charles participated in the teaching ministry of Central UMC, Decatur, and was also active as a spiritual director in the Emmaus community.
Visitation will be held Tuesday November 24, 10:00 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Decatur followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 with the Rev. Charles Alexander officiating. Burial service will follow at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Lysa Edwards and her caring staff as well as the physicians, nurses and care team of Decatur Morgan Hospital for the compassionate care given to both Martha and Charles. In lieu of flowers, remembrance gifts are suggested to Fair Haven Homes for the Aging, Food Bank of North Alabama, Wesley Foundation at the University of Alabama or Central United Methodist Church.
