George "Rusty" Bethea, Jr.

George Russell "Rusty" Bethea Jr, 72, passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center from complications due to open heart surgery. Born May 27, 1949, a native of Spartanburg, he was the son of the late George Russell and Mary Margaret Brunson Bethea.

A native of Spartanburg, Rusty graduated Spartanburg High School in 1967 before going on to get his degree from the University of SC. He spent more than 25 years at Belk starting in the stock room as a teenager. After college he became a buyer, salesman, personnel manager and finally corporate trainer.

But to all who knew him, his real calling was ministry. Not necessarily from the pulpit as he once thought, but in his everyday life to all who came across his path. Not as a preacher or pastor but as a kind, empathetic ear.

With pearls of folksy wisdom he called "Rusty-isms," he could make you think, feel better or at the very least, make you laugh.

Surviving are Mary Ann Bethea and their three sons, Benjamin Russell Bethea of Greenville, SC, Timothy George Bethea (Jennifer) and Walter Simms Bethea of Spartanburg, SC, his two granddaughters, Lola Jean Bethea and Ruby James Bethea, his sister, Rachel B. Bowling of Southlake, TX, and a host of friends too numerous to count.

Visitation will be 2:00 – 2:45 pm Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm in the chapel, conducted by The Rev. Nowell Copley and The Rev. Nannie Jefferies.

The family asks that those attending wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to the Spartanburg County Public Library, 151 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306 or online at Donate to Friends of the Spartanburg County Public Library  or a charity of one’s choice.

Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel