Jerry Willis Bethea, Sr.

FAIRHOPE, AL Jerry Willis Bethea, Sr., passed away peacefully at home on April 12, 2011.  Born May 29, 1924 in Mobile, AL, he resided most of his life in Baldwin County, AL.  After serving in the Pacific during World War II with the Army Air Corps, he settled in Fairhope and spent 25 years working at the Grand Hotel, much of that time as Resident Manager.  He was a devoted and active member of the First Baptist Church of Fairhope who will be remembered by all who knew him for his friendly, generous, attitude toward everyone he met. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nell Nobles Bethea, and granddaughter, Jessica Leigh Bethea.    He is survived by his children, John William Bethea (Victoria), Fairhope, AL, Jerry Willis Bethea, Jr. (Vonne), Fairhope, AL, Sheila Bethea Ward (Donald), Point Clear, AL, along with grandchildren, Jana Bethea Fellers (Trey), Fairhope, AL, , Julie Bethea Morris (Kyle), Montrose, AL, Jennifer Bethea Iavarone, Tampa, FL, Gigi Wesley Lott (Houston), Fairhope, AL, Katie Campbell Wesley, Daphne, AL, William Redford Bethea, Fairhope, AL, 6 great grandchildren, Other relatives and friends.   Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Fairhope on Thursday, April 14, 2011, at 1:00 pm, with a funeral service to follow at the church at 2:00 pm.    Interment will be at Montrose Cemetery, Montrose, AL.   In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the Building Fund at First Baptist Church of Fairhope.   ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC19698 GREENO ROAD FAIRHOPE, AL 36532