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David Bethea Obituary
David was born Feb. 7, 1964, in Daytona Beach, Fla., to David and Frances Bethea. He is a 1982 graduate of Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville, Fla. David participated in the Florida High School Baseball All Star Game, attending Gulf Coast Community College on a baseball scholarship. He was a true outdoorsman enjoying fishing and hunting. David loved and was very proud of his sons, Kris and Kent.
David is survived by his sons, Kristopher and Carissa Bethea of Waco, and Kent Bethea of Jacksonville, Fla.; parents, David and Frances Bethea of Ormond Beach, Fla.; sister, Deborah Bethea and niece, Kimberly, of Port Orange, Fla.; brother, Steven Bethea and nephew, Robert, of Daytona Beach; aunts, Sandra McKinnon and cousin, Dan, of Ponce Inlet, Fla., Lynn and Gary Gordon and cousins, Leigh and Cheryl, of Tallahassee, Fla., Sue Jacobs of Glenn Mills, Pa., and Marlene Bethea of New Smyrna, Fla.; uncle, Hugh and Arvieta Bethea of Winter Park, Fla.; grandmother, Carmen Chidsey of Port Orange; godfather, Ronnie Rossner of Jacksonville; extended family and many friends.
Donations in David's memory may be made to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler - West Volusia Care Center.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.volusiamemorialfunerals.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach.
February 7, 1964 - March 14, 2013
Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Bethea
Lyn Adams-Anderson
January 26, 2014
David and I went to TP together and I was shocked to learn of his passing. I remember his infectious smile and his laughter that could fill the room. He was on my mind and I just wanted to send a note to his family that he lives on in a positive light and may time ease your pain.
Renee Bethea
November 4, 2013
Thinking of you!
Joseph Hardin
November 3, 2013
David, Frances,and Family
I was deeply saddened by the lose of David, we had a lot of good times. You are ALL in my prayers and thoughts.
Suzy Brantley-Gordon
July 26, 2013
One thing everyone who new David would agree... he never met a stranger. David's smile would light up a room. He was such a large part of my life for too short of a time. It isn't often that you are able to fall in love with your best friend but we did. I will always cherish those memories. David loved his family and his friends. Mr. and Mrs. Bethea, Debbie and Steve...I think of you often and you are always in my prayers. Thank you for inviting us to celebrate David's Birthday with him. I will always remember that day....his smile and the twinkle in his eye that was always there. love to you all
Renee Bethea-Girard
April 18, 2013
Missing your smile. "Got your back". Time hasn't eased the pain yet, but I am believing it has relieved yours.
Stacey Norman
April 16, 2013
David, Frances, Steve and Debbie,
You all are like family to me I have known you guys for a very long time and have some wonderful memories with the family. I am glad that I got to spend some time with David in his last final days I will never forget that. We had some good times together I will never forget him. I pray that God will ease your pain and give you peace of mind knowing that David is celebrating his new life in heaven and looking over you day after day. I will continue to keep you all in my prays.
Love,
Stacey
Ann Marie Grymes
March 28, 2013
David, Frances, Steve and dearest Debbie,
You know that you are family and there is so much love I have for you. My heart is filled with sadness for a loss that is indescribable. I keep thinking about all the happy times on Sanders and the many joy filled moments with you all and with David. I pray that God will ease your pain and comfort you knowing your life carries David's legacy. A beautiful man, a great heart, and a kind spirit. I trust in the Lord and believe David is in his arms. Love, Ann Marie
Pat Corrado
March 27, 2013
David, Frances and Family.
The most difficult thing in the world is to lose one of our children. Cherish the moments you had with Dave Jr. They are memories that will carry you through this tough time. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brad Litchfield
March 26, 2013
Mr and Mrs Bethea I'm very sorry to hear the loss of David Jr. The whole Bethea family is in my prayers.
Bill Barlow
March 25, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bethea family. David was a good friend growing up, until I moved in 1979. We played Pop Warner football together starting in 1973 on the Scouts, and had many good times together throughout the years. I am saddened by this news, and I can see from the posts that he meant a great deal to many of my childhood friends throughout his life. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Jack @ Rosie Pruitt
March 24, 2013
Hello David and Frances. Was so saddened to hear of your son's death. We think of you often even though it's been years. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. With love and prayers.
Tom & Pat Alderson
March 24, 2013
We were so sorry to hear about David and you will all be in our thoughts and prayers
Liz Killough
March 24, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patricia Carter Lewis
March 24, 2013
Frances and David, I can't begin to imagine the sadness you must be feeling at the loss of your son, David. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. May your memories of your son keep him in your hearts.
March 23, 2013
We certainly have fond memories of David and the entire Bethea family.
Our sincere condolences to all of you.
He will be missed!
John and Martha Southwood, Georgetown, FL
Cathi and Mario Gonzalez
March 23, 2013
Dave, you were our neighbor for a few years. You were always there to lend a helping hand whenever needed. We will never forget what a good man you were! You will be truly missed!
Kathy Gunter
March 22, 2013
I feel like this world is a little darker, a little duller without David in it. Dave was always a great friend with a kind word and smile that would light up the room. I have so many wonderful memories of him in high school and beyond. We shared a lot of good times with our tight circle of friends and I can't imagine what life would have been like without him there. I believe people come into your life for a reason and I am so thankful that Dave came into mine. I will always be grateful that I got to see Dave to say goodbye and to let him know how much he meant to me. His time on this earth was much too short but David lived it to the fullest. I just know that Dave is up in heaven flirting with the angels and waiting for us all to get there so we can have some fun! Prayers to the Bethea family and I hope you find comfort in your wonderful memories and the knowledge that he will live on through his sons and the memories of all of us who loved him so very much.
Jason Carter
March 22, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. May The Lord be with you and your family Kris. I love you buddy. RIP David Bethea Jr.
John Chrisman
March 22, 2013
David may the good Lord shine his light on you and your family in this time of sorrow, and may we always hold a special place in our hearts for you. I know our paths have gone in different directions over the years but that does not mean that I havent thought about you from time to time.
Uncle John C
Matthew Roberts
March 22, 2013
Mr. David Bethea Jr., I only had the pleasure to meet once. If a reflection of a man is his children, then Mr. David Bethea Jr. was a great man. I know as he looks over them above, they will bring nothing but great joy and pride to him... God bless!
John Fletcher
March 21, 2013
David and I played popmwarner football for the Jacksonville Sharks in 1974-75. I remember him being a lefty quart back and a great leader. Over the years I have tried to locate him but to no avail. My love and best wishes go out to David and his family. John L. Fletcher
Shawn & Sharlene Garrett
March 21, 2013
To the Bethea Family,
I have so enjoyed reading all of these guest book entries. I didn't get the chance to know Dave for very long but i feel like I know him now. I am glad he had the chance to see his son marry my beautiful daughter and i know how proud he was of him at the wedding. I promise we will take very good care of his son. We will love him as our own and promise to spoil any Grandchildren we may have in the future enough for him too. I know he was well loved and there are alot of memories to hang on to. May God bless you all with peace and strength in the days to come.
Merrie Galbraith Welch
March 21, 2013
I have nothing but fond memories with Dave in high school. Helping him get through English class, going to the fair, hanging out at my house.... His smile and heart was genuine. Thank you for being in my life, Dave. May you be in peace now.
"Judy Brown"
March 21, 2013
I wish you God Speed David Bethea.
Jack Wilson
March 21, 2013
I am very sorry to hear about David Jr.'s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack Wilson
Julie Yeatman
March 21, 2013
I was deeply saddened to learn of David's passing. He is our newest Angel in Heaven and is surely smiling down on us all. I will keep David and his entire family in my thougths and prayers. May your very special memories of David bring you great comfort and sustain you in the days, weeks, and months to come. God bless.
Carmen Moore
March 21, 2013
What a wonderful tribute by so many to David. It is clear to see that he touched many lives in his short time with us. I remember David and so many of his friends from their days at Fort Caroline Junior High. I have fond memories of the sweet kid David. Hopefully, the Bethea family can draw some comfort from the memories of their good times with David. May God give you strength in your time of sorrow.
Mary Grant
March 21, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bethea Family during this time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I can only imagine what OUR Angels are doing up there in Heaven...
~The Grant Family~
Mary, Adam, Cody and Dylan Grant
Patti Crowe Haynes
March 21, 2013
My prayers and thoughts go out to all of Davids family and friends. He was truly a ray of sunshine in highschool. Then a few years back we were blessed to be able to reconnect and share wonderful times. He was a great source of strength for me after I lost my teenage son. Someone like David will never be forgotten.
March 21, 2013
I was so sorry to hear about Charles' passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Kris, Kent and the Bethea family.
Craig Zablo
Misti Langston Tuppeny
March 21, 2013
I am so saddened to hear of David's passing. For the Bethea family, I pray that you find comfort in the many memories you have with David. I have to say, that I never saw David without a smile on his face. I hope they have garnet and gold wings for him,.. David is too vibrant of a guy to have just plain white!! God bless you all..
Michelle Barry
March 21, 2013
My heart and prayers are with David's family! My deepest sympathy.
Polly Hudson
March 21, 2013
Dave, you were one of my best friends and I will miss you so much. I am so glad I got the chance to spend that precious time with you before you left us. I will cherish it always. I love you David Bethea....I will see you in heaven one day and I know you will be at the gates with that wonderful smile asking me what took me so long....
My thoughts and prayers to the Bethea's. You are a wonderful and strong family. I admire your love and support of each other. Love you all.
Polly Brock Hudson
Candi Renfroe
March 21, 2013
David was a beam of light at Terry Parker High School. He was much how I'd like my 12 year old son to be. Never thought I'd see or hear from him again after high school until Facebook was created. He asked me to be FB friends and just had the kindest things to say about everything. As to all of his family and friends, I pray you will all grieve gently. I am a firm believer in Heaven and our Lord wiping all their tears away. David will be healthy and whole again among the Heavenly Angels. Probably just a short matter of time before he gets his own wings if not already. It's the loved ones left on earth that must get through our ugly-cry and mourning. Take comfort in seeing David again one day. He'll meet you at the gates one day and it'll be like no time has passed at all. Meanwhile just talk to him in your prayer.
Howard Ingham
March 21, 2013
Dave, you will be missed. I will remember the good times. Take care.
Debbie Bethea
March 21, 2013
Dave, i know you can hear me. i miss you so much. i love you. please take this pain away.
Michelle Poitevint
March 20, 2013
My prayers are with the entire Bethea family. I am so very sad to hear of your loss. Deepest sympathy from the heart to all of you.
Tracy Davis Padgett
March 20, 2013
My heart and prayers go out to all of the family. David, you were so blessed to have family and friends that love you. No more pain or suffering now my friend, just happy days.
March 20, 2013
Bethea Family
Jud & I are lost for words to express our sincere sympathy, we have said so many times we can't imagine loosing a child. We treasure the time we have had with you all through this most difficult time. Hope we have helped in some small way. You are all such a special family and Dave was such a special young man who was loved by so many. We will always be here for you, we love you all so much. Jud & Vicki
keith southwood
March 20, 2013
Dave I love you man and miss you. Its just starting to sink in that dave's gone. You were loved in this life and even more now. Ill never ever forget you my brother david bethea
Kim and Chris Schulte
March 20, 2013
Rest in peace my friend. May God be with your family and give them comfort.
Tom Leonard
March 19, 2013
A good looking guy that all the girls loved and a fat kid they all knew. Two left handed hitters and closer friends than most knew. I enjoyed our time together and know Heaven got a good lefty this week. Hopefully they can get ya a matching uniform. You get the old grey ones when you miss school to go to TPC or the new ones don't fit.
Go find my dad. He will put ya in.
"I'm Amazed By You"
Renee Girourd
March 19, 2013
David,
For once I am just lost for words, but will try my best.
My love, prayers and support will continue for your family forever, as they will always be my family too. You left us way too soon, and everyone is trying to come to grips with it, but God only takes the best and I am sure you have a baseball game going already, and were given the coolest Garnet and Gold wings, and still have that smile, which will be brighter than any sky or star you choose to fly above. You were my best friend, my husband, my protector. You left me with so many gifts; a family I adore, the privilege of raising our boys together, making me a stronger person, and being a believer in forgiveness, just to name a few. I will cherish the last few weeks we spent together, and in our hearts we forgave and agreed on our favorite saying "got your back". I will cherish the memories from our marriage, most of all I am so happy that we were able to say "I love you", and share a tear. The day we lost you, I lost a piece of my heart, never to be replaced. I have to think you are free of pain, you can finally rest, and truly believe that god only takes the best. Fly high with the Angels, because we will feel your spirit down here with us daily. I truly miss and love you David, it never stopped. I will always do anything for Kris and Kent, and I know you feel that.
Love - And Got Your Back,
Renee (always a Bethea) Girourd
Kim Bradley Blalock
March 19, 2013
Dave, I remember you from high school as one of the nice guys. You made everyone feel like they belonged. You seemed happy and vibrant. I am blessed to have known you even for the brief period of high school. May you rest in peace.
Thoughts and prayers to Dave's family and friends.
Richard Gonzalez
March 19, 2013
Dave, you will be loved and missed. I'll never forget living across the street from you, I got to know you pretty well and you were always there if I needed anything. You would always help me with basbeall without me asking and ill never forget it. I wasn't that good when I first started, but you always encouraged me. I wish I could've seen you. Love you
Sara Gibbs
March 19, 2013
You truly will be missed! But your legacy will be left with two amazing boys your raised one whom is a close friend to me and will always be!
Tracy Pifer
March 19, 2013
In my memory and in my prayers.
Greg & Jennifer Perez
March 19, 2013
Our hearts and prayers are with all of you and want y'all to know we love you like family
keith southwood
March 19, 2013
David I love man. And and miss you very much.it
Dave Iove you anf
Dave I love you man and miss you. Its just starting to sink in that daves gone. You were loved in this life and even more now. Ill never ever forget you my brother david bethea
Dan & Jean Arbuckle
March 19, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Bethea family. Dave was always full of energy and happiness and he will be missed by many friends, family and acquaintances. We have known Dave since he was 10 years old and his smile was always contagious and will be remembered always.
Jennifer Puentes
March 19, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. may not have had the honor to have meet you but i feel like already knew you by the way your son talks about you . May you rest in peace.
Joy Bidwell
March 19, 2013
David, Francis and Family: We are thinking of you and praying for you all during this time of sadness. May each day bring you a little more room for happy memories....with much love,
The Bidwell Family
Jason Smith
March 19, 2013
Sending our Prayers from The Smith's Family. Jason Jerry And Mom
Parker Pieri
March 19, 2013
David Sr., My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May you all find God's peace, love, and grace during this difficult time.
Adam Lichtenstein
March 19, 2013
I only knew this man by the legacy he left in the lives of his sons. Judging purely by this measurement he must have truly been a great man. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Tamara Fesco
March 19, 2013
David was the sweetest and most generous to his friends, your smile and laughter will be greatly missed. Tamara Lockhart Fesco
Julie Lipham
March 19, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Paige Grymes
March 18, 2013
Sending our love from California. May the Lord hold you all extra tight. Love, Paige, Jamie and Jackson Grymes
Lynn Wright Linton
March 18, 2013
To my first love David, may you rest in peace. I have many wonderful memories of my early years spending many hours and days with David. His happy sly smile had a way of making you love him and I knew along time ago he would always have a special place in my heart, which he will. I know his family is hurting, as he was such a source of pride to them, but Dave's light will continue to shine down on them and hopefully give them peace in the many wonderful memories they have of him. David had a special place in my life for many years and I know we will meet again someday. May the Bethea's find peace and comfort in knowing David is in a better place now and out of pain. I believe Dave is looking down and is happy to know how many people loved him. I will always hold a big place in my heart for the Bethea family and I will always love you David. May you walk with Jesus! Lynn
Lynn Wright Linton
March 18, 2013
To my first love and one I'll always remember,David. He had such a way of making people smile, just with that sly smile of his, that he will be hard to forget. I was very young when I met David,but I knew when I first met him that he would always hold a special place in my heart,and that, he will. Words can not express my sorrow and how difficult it must be for his family at this time, however I know Dave's light will continue to shine down on them and he will live on through the many wonderful memories he has given them and so many others. Thank you David for touching my heart and I know we will meet again some day. Words will never express the many thoughts and feelings I had for David, but I know he is with Jesus now and He will let him know. My love and prayers for the Bethea family, who will also hold a huge place in my heart, may they know comfort and peace in knowing that David is in a better place without pain. May God bless and I love you Dave! My love and prayers, Lynn
Patrick Floyd
March 18, 2013
David, you were my friend-
Susan Jenkins
March 18, 2013
I am praying for the Lord's comfort for all who loved David. While we cannot understand the brevity of his life, we can rejoice in that he came to know Christ. And what a beautiful hope to know that we will see him again in eternity where there will be no more weeping or sorrow. My clearest memories of David are from the innocent time in Jr. High and how for a day or two we were actually "going together" and then somehow it just turned out that we realized we were just good friends. I can still picture his bright smile and I seem to recall a bounce in his step back then. He is remembered and loved and I will continue to pray for the Lord's healing to those who were closest to him.
Blessings and love,
Susan Moss Jenkins
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