Guy Joseph Bethea, Jr.

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15. Guy Joseph Bethea, Jr., A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, went home to Jesus, his Savior and Lord on June 28, 2024, at the age of 93.  He is survived by four daughters, Linda Bethea Hoover and son-in-law, Barry Hoover; daughter, Debbie Bethea Morse; daughter, Barbara Bethea Schopp and son-in-law, James Forrest Schopp; daughter, Lisa Bethea Atkinson and son-in-law, Daniel Atkinson Jr; 23 grandchildren who loved him as Papa; Kristen Hoover Piper, (Dwayne); Brandon Hoover, (Liz); Melinda Hoover Denison, (Jeremy); Alyssa Morse; Amber Morse Kane, (Thomas); Bethany Morse; Rachel Morse; Jonathan Morse; Melanie Schopp; Marian Schopp Howington, (Ben); Justin Schopp, (Katie); Jacob Schopp; James Daniel Schopp, (Nicki); Joseph Schopp; Joshua Schopp; Callie Schopp; Christi Atkinson Chustz, (Jake); Carolyn Atkinson Gurievsky, (Kyle); Sarah Atkinson Hebert, (Nick); Daniel Atkinson; Joel Atkinson; Hannah Atkinson, MaryEllen Atkinson; 18 great grandchildren; brothers, Jim Bethea and Johnny Bethea; sister- in-law, Claudette Bryant; numerous nieces and nephews.

Guy is preceded in death by his wife, the love of his life for 59 years, Barbara Ann Bryant Bethea; only son, Guy Joseph Bethea III; his parents, Bessie Bryant Bethea and Guy Joseph Bethea Sr.; grandmother, Dorothea Bethea; sister, Dorothy B. Stovall.

Guy Joseph Bethea Jr was born in Laurel, Mississippi on September 11, 1930. He resided in Central City, Louisiana.  Born, during the Great Depression, as a young boy, Guy learned a hard work ethic. He went to Jones College and graduated from Southern Mississippi as a chemist. Guy served in the army as a front-line medic in the mountains of Korea during the Korean War, and was a hero volunteering for dangerous missions in enemy territory. He enjoyed church, singing Amazing Grace, playing practical jokes, camping trips with family, fishing with family and the Baton Rouge Bass club and was a gentleman who inspired so many people.  Guy had such a grateful heart and his laughter lit up the room.  He will be greatly missed by all.

Visitation: July 5, 2024: 2:00-3:30 at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home- Magee, Mississippi

Funeral: 3:30-4:00 at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home- Magee, Mississippi

James Daniel Schopp officiating

Military Burial to follow at 4:30 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church- Taylorsville, Mississippi