Richard Eugene Bethune

CLAXTON: Richard E. Bethune, 75, was called home by his heavenly Father on August 20, 2022, at Memorial Hospital in Savannah, Ga. 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 66, and 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 that 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 joined Beards Creek Primitive Baptist Church after he moved to Claxton.

SURVIVORS: 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 Fiancée Cassi Brooks; granddaughter, Lauren Griner; and great grandchildren, Ayva and James Griner.

VISITATION: Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Beards Creek Primitive Baptist Church.

FUNERAL: Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 11:00 am at Beards Creek Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Howard Rushing officiating.

BURIAL: Beards Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.


Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements
“Our Family Serving Your Family”
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(912) 739-3338
www.nesmithfuneralhome.com