BETHANY, Frank M., 84, of Ormond Beach, passed away June 12, 2013 at Stewart Myer Hospice House. Frank was born at home September 19, 1928 on a farm in Kemper County, MS (near DeKalb, MS). He was the son of Frances (Clark) and Shade A. Bethany, Sr. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946 the day after his 18th birthday and served in Japan as part of the occupation forces until his honorable discharge in 1948. He received a B.S. in Marketing from Mississippi State College (now Mississippi State University) in 1951. On September 3, 1954 he married his wife, Virginia (Donovan), in Jackson, Mississippi. He attended one year of graduate school at Tulane University and completed his Masters in Social Work in 1958 from Florida State University. Frank dedicated his entire career to helping people and served as the Director of Social Work at the Tampa Children's Home 1961-1964; Director of the Children's Home Society of Florida in West Palm Beach 1964-1972; and Director of Social Work for Halifax Medical Center 1972-1994. He was named Father of the Year in 1972 by the Children's Home Society Auxiliary. He was a member of the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, and in 1983, he was named Florida Social Worker of the Year. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Ormond Beach. He also was a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Scottish Rite of Lake Worth, FL. Frank had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tell jokes and help people find the humor in life. He possessed an open mindedness that transcended his rural background. He had a kind spirit, cheerful disposition, and positive outlook on life. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of more than 58 years Virginia; daughter Renee Rush and her husband Rick of Bunnell; son Todd and his wife Robyn of Atlanta, GA.; brother Shade A. Bethany, Jr. and his wife Joyce; grandchildren Shauwn Rush and his wife Belinda, Samantha Rush, and Joshua and Elena Bethany; great grandchildren Dalton Edwards, Jacob Norman, and Mara Rush; nieces Nancy Bryant, Lynda Watt, and Rita Redmon; nephews Charles Ray Hull, and Shade, Mitch, and Chris Bethany; and numerous great nieces and nephews. Frank was pre-deceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law Marguerite and James Ray Hull, Joyce and Herbert Scott, and Benny and Tom Mahoney; his niece Lisa Bethany; and his nephew Kent Hull. Friends are invited to join the family at a graveside service 10:00 am, Monday July 1, 2013 at Volusia Memorial Park, 550 North Nova Rd., Ormond Beach. Condolences may be shared at www.volusiamemorialfunerals.com.
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3 Entries
June 30, 2013
Rod Roderus
Dear Mrs. B and family. Am very saddened to learn of Mr. B's passing. Our deepest sympathies are extended to all the family.
Having worked as your plumber for over twenty years, I got to know you both pretty well. Frank was one of the best, most genuine, enjoyable to be around people ever.
He cared about and helped others with a natural sincere desire and a big smile to go with it. He taught others with to help them be all they could be.
There's no doubt he will be truly missed and fondly remembered by those who's lives he touched.
And I will personally miss his great humor and all the funny jokes he told.
God Bless you,
Rod Roderus
June 29, 2013
Dear Virginia, Renee, Todd, and families,
We are so sorry to learn of Frank's passing. It was due to him that 40 years ago Dale was hired at Halifax Hospital and we were able to move to sunny Florida with its gorgeous beaches, far away from the cold and snow of Minnesota. We cherish his memory as we think of the cheerful support he provided. Frank was a very unique person, credit to his profession, and helped make this a better world. We send our condolences and keep each of your in our prayers during this time of your loss. With Love,
Dale and Barbara Van Laningham
June 18, 2013
My condolences to the family. Frank was the greatest boss ever. Enjoyed his warmth and laugh. Always with a joke. Love, Alice & Ken Taufer
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