Richard E. Bethune, age 75, was called home by his heavenly Father on August 20, 2022, at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia. Richard was born in Savannah on August 8, 1947, to Ralph and Jewel Bethune, the oldest of four siblings. He graduated Savannah High School, Class of 1966, and he completed the Electrical Apprenticeship Program where he served as a Journeyman Electrician for over 50 years as a member of IBEW Local 508. Richard excelled at every craft he chose and was a true professional who believed anything worth doing was worth doing right. He was an excellent carpenter and woodworker, farmer, hunter, and fisherman. He enjoyed reclaiming wood from old homes and bringing it back to life as furniture, raising and racing pigeons, watching his crops grow, and managing wildlife on his land.
In 1966, during his senior year of high school, Richard met the love of his life, Barbre Armenda Sikes. Upon first sight, he exclaimed, “I am going to marry that girl,” and on April 13, 1968, he made good on that promise. They spent 54 years together and made their homes in Savannah and Claxton. They had one daughter, Miranda, and through her were blessed with two grandchildren, Lauren and Dustin. Richard loved his family, but, above all, he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a member of Savannah Primitive Baptist Church from the age of 19 until his retirement, and he joined Beards Creek Primitive Baptist Church after he moved to Claxton.
Richard is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbre Armenda (Sikes) Bethune; daughter, Miranda Hancock; son-in-law, John Hancock; grandson, Dustin Parks, and his fiancée, Cassi Brooks; granddaughter, Lauren Griner; and great-grandchildren, Ayva and James Griner.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Beards Creek Primitive Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Beards Creek Primitive Baptist Church, with Elder Howard Rushing officiating.
Burial was in Beards Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
www.nesmithfuneralhome.com
