Lacy Rankin Bethea Jr's Obituary
Lacy Rankin Bethea Jr., 88, went home to be with his Lord on February 4, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona, with his loving wife, Nancy, by his side.
Born in Wilmington, North Carolina on October 1, 1929, Lacy was the son of Lacy Rankin Bethea Sr. and Mabel (Sherrill) Bethea. After attending school in Latta, South Carolina, he enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 17. As part of the 1st Marine Regiment, H and S Company, Lacy served as an Armorer and Ammo Sergeant in the Korean War during the battle of the Chosin Reservoir in 1950. This battle, as well as the Marines who fought as part of the “Frozen Chosin,” is still revered by Marines and sailors today. Lacy proudly served his country with distinction and retired from the Marine Corps as a Gunnery Sergeant in 1966.
In addition to his dedicated service to our nation, Lacy was a faithful servant of the body of Christ and the community. He served as Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, and District Executive for the Desert Pacific Council in San Diego, participated in missions’ trips to Kiev, Ukraine, Germany, Moldova and various states throughout the U.S., and served as deacon, Children’s Church leader, VBS Missions teacher, and on the Facilities Team at ConnectionPointe Church in Tucson.
In 1950 Lacy married Patricia Lee Brigman of Blenheim, South Carolina. Their union lasted twenty-five years and produced three children. After raising his family in San Diego, Lacy moved to Tucson where he owned and operated Bethea Gun Company for twenty years. His five-year marriage to Mary Ellen Grimm of Tucson ended in 1987 when she succumbed to cancer. In 2002 Lacy married Nancy Watson Machen of Tucson, Arizona and together they faithfully served their church family. Lacy’s children and family will fondly remember him as a godly man of dignity, honor and integrity.
Surviving are his wife, Nancy Watson Bethea, his sister, Patsy Carmichael of Darlington, South Carolina, his three children, Roberta Holmerud (Jon) of Bonita, California, Jody Bethea (Tracie) of Bonita, California, and Janice Sakala of Beaverton, Oregon, four stepchildren, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceding Lacy in death were his parents, his sister, Martha Sherrill Dempsey, his first wife, Patricia Lee Brigman, and his second wife, Mary Ellen Grimm.
Visitation will be held on February 9th at Evergreen Mortuary located at 3015 North Oracle Road in Tucson. A memorial service will be held on February 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at Connection Pointe Church located at 4314 N. Romero Road in Tucson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in his honor to ConnectionPointe Church in Tucson.
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