COLUMBIA - George Sease Betsill, formerly of Columbia, South Carolina, died Saturday, September 9, 2017, at the age of 97. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, South Carolina Episcopal Home at Still Hopes.
Mr. Betsill was born on November 17, 1919, in Enoree, South Carolina, the second son of Varina Feagle and William Russell Betsill. He graduated from Woodruff High School in 1937 and from the University of Georgia in 1941 with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Mr. Betsill honorably served his country in the Army during World War II. Mr. Betsill was a registered landscape architect and a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. He was the resident landscape architect for The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia for many years before moving to New York in 1966 to work with Innocenti and Webel, a nationally recognized firm noted for its innovative interpretation of classical landscape architectural design.
During his more than 25-year tenure there, he was lead landscape architect for many projects, including The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, Keeneland Thoroughbred Race Track in Lexington, Kentucky, and Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. In his later career, he did extensive landscape design work for Ballantyne Corporate Park in Charlotte, North Carolina, where the “Betsill Building” was named in his honor. In the 1980’s, he received an award from then First Lady Nancy Reagan for his landscape design at the Charles Engelhard Court located in The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Mr. Betsill was an active member at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia, South Carolina, where he sang in the choir for many years. He was also an active board member of the Brevard Music Festival in Brevard, North Carolina.
Mr. Betsill is survived by his niece, Susan Arnold, of Temecula, California; his nephew, William Martin Betsill of Indianapolis, Indiana; his great niece, Shelli Breidenbach Flood of Bedford Downs, New York; and special family friends.
George will be remembered for his love of God, family, and a wide circle of loyal friends, and for his great sense of humor and quick wit. He was predeceased by his brothers William Feagle Betsill of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Edwin Houseal Betsill of Columbia, South Carolina.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Cathedral Foundation, the University of South Carolina School of Music, or a charity of one’s choice.
Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Dunbar Funeral Home - Devine.
4 Entries
January 3, 2018
CeCe Haydock
Along with the entire Innocenti & Webel team, George taught me how to be a landscape architect -- and had me laughing the whole time! What a talented designer, filled with love of his craft and people around him. I will never forget the riotous car rides we had one snowy winter, as I drove him to his home in Queens, and I made my way to and from Manhattan. Those special times cemented our relationship, and created a lasting bond. George's professional guidance will never be forgotten -- he helped make me the landscape architect I am today. With endless gratitude, CeCe Haydock
October 12, 2017
It was an honor to work with and know George. Anyone who comes to Keeneland should thank George for the very special ambiance - so much of which he created.
Nick Nicholson President Keeneland retired
September 18, 2017
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your love one. Keeping in mind the Bible's hope of everlasting life can help sustain you during this difficult time in your lives.
John 17:3
September 12, 2017
Edwin Barnes
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Mr George. He was a fine man and will be missed. I cut Mr George's hair for many years. It was a pleasure knowing him
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