Ralph Eugene Bethune

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Celebrating the life of
Ralph Eugene  BethuneSeptember 04, 1927 - July 01, 2010

Ralph Eugene Bethune, 82, went to be with his Lord July 1, 2010. He was the beloved husband of Mary Jewell Bethune for 65 years. Jewell was the love of his life and his love for her transcended all earthly love.

Ralph was a deeply devout man who loved his Lord with all his heart. He faithfully served as a deacon in the Savannah Primitive Baptist Church and Sardis Primitive Baptist Church. He was a humble man who considered himself a simple man. He was a deep thinker with a quick wit who loved sharing a joke. He was a master storyteller who enjoyed entertaining family and friends with his tales. He could often be heard regaling his grandchildren with countless stories from his youth.

Ralph was never happier than when he was outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and gardener who spent most of his free time reveling in God's creation. He loved working with his hands and enjoyed sharing the bounty of his garden with family and friends. Ralph was a jack-of-all-trades and there was seldom anything he could not fix. He loved to work, and what others would consider work was pure enjoyment to Ralph.

Ralph retired from the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad after 32 years of service. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jewell; sister, Annis Littles of Fernandina Beach, Florida; two sons, Richard Menda Bethune, and Don Sharon Bethune; two daughters, Barbara Steve Shroyer of Brooklet, and Debbie Huncke, and adopted daughter, Sabrina Brian Crosby of Brooklet; five grandchildren, Misty Selph, Miranda Hancock, Brian Underwood, Ken Bethune, and Rachel Huncke; and ten great-grandchildren. Born on September 4, 1927 to Cleveland Sylvester and Minnie Lee Rozier Bethune of Cochran, Ralph was predeceased by five sisters and three brothers.

The family would like to thank Dr. Masroor and his staff for the excellent care they provided Ralph over the last 24 years, and for the compassion and concern they have shown his family. The family would also like to thank the nurses and staff of Candler PCU for the compassion and respect they showed Ralph during his hospitalization.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 3, 2010 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors. The family will be receiving friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the funeral service at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Ken Bethune, Brian Crosby, John Hancock, Benji Selph, Gary Willis, and Chester Wilson.

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We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to meet such a wonderful person. He truly worked though God with his hands. He hand-made a Cypress-root cane for my wife, Zuzelyn, and he will always be remembered through this testament of his creativity and devotion for nature and God. God Bless you Ralph! Our condolences to the family of Mr. Ralph Bethune. His kindness and love will be missed.

- Richard & Zuzelyn Shroyer, Woodridge, IL

My condolences. Though I have not seen Ralph in decades I do remember we had a pleasant relationshiip. Good luck

- stanley harris, jr, savannah, GA

Sabrina...we are thinking about you and your family during your time of loss. Your dad was a great man because he help raise an amazingly strong woman. We love you and are here if you need us.

- Shay & Rodney Gibson, Statesboro, GA

don, sorry to hear about your dads passing. he was joy to be around and i know you will surely miss him but he is enjoying the glory that has been promised to all of us who believe. butch

- butch christian, richmond hill, GA

I am so sorry to hear of your families great loss! I never had the priviledge of meeting Mr.Bethune! I do know tho that he was greatly loved by his family and friends! Please except my families condolences! Your family is in our prayers!

- Michelle Clark and Family, Clyo,, GA

Sabrina, may God bless and comfort you and your family during this sad time.

- Burney Fordham, Brooklet, GA

Thinking and praying for your family during this time of mourning. May the Lord be your strength and comfort.

- Lawton Sack, Statesboro, GA

Sabrina, my deepest sympathies are with you and your family during this difficult time in the passing of your father.

- Crystal Duggar Handshumaker, Cherryvale, KS

Sabrina and family, yall are in my prayers at this difficult time in your lives. At least he is not suffering anymore and he has become your guardian angel now.

- Alicia A Crosby, Brooklet, GA

I am so sorry Sabrina for your loss.

- Joni Ehret, , GA

i wanted to say i am soo sorry for your lost and brina if you need anything please let me know i love u and ur family sooo much julia

- Julia Fail, Statesboro, GA

im very sorry about ur dad sabrina...i know u will miss him dearly but just remember hes not in pain anymore...will continue to pray for u all

- penny, AUBURNDALE, FL

The first time I Peggy meet you gave me a tour our your home and yard.. You will be missed by all.. But never forgot..

- The Sanders: Peggy, Devin and Cody, Sylacauga, AL

Barbara and family, I am so sorry to hear about your father. I have so many fond memories of your father and the time he kept Steppen so many, many years ago. He was a sweet wonderful man and I am so sorry I haven't kept in touch with him. God be with you all and give you peace knowing your father is with Him.

- Diane Mitchell Simmons, Nevils, GA

He will be missed. He was a good Uncle and a loving Christian man. We will look forward to seeing him again some day in heaven. We will be praying for the family.

- Tom and Vivian Bethune, Perry, GA

Sabrina sorry for the loss of your dad may god bring you comfort at this time. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

- jennifer pollard, brooklet, GA

One of the best men I've known has past to the ages. Mr. Ralph will live in my memory for the rest of my years.

- Robert & Sue Shroyer, Fayetteville, TN

Im very sorry for your lost. My prayers are with you and the family.

- Shea Jones, Savannah, GA

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss and you will be remembered in my prayer.

- Michelle Rigby Collins, Alma, GA

Sabrina and family, we have had you in our prayers all along, and will continue to do so. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily.

- Frances & Kerri Butler, Stilson, GA

Sabrina, I am so sorry for the loss of your Daddy. I hope you find peace and comfort in knowing he is with the Lord, and he will suffer no more. We love y'all.

- Tammy Bacon, Brooklet, GA

Sabrina, I'm so sorry for your loss..Please know that we are thinking of you...He is gone to a better place where he can watch over you more now..Let me know if you need anything...

- Charlene Beasley, Brooklet, GA