LaVern Percy Betts, Jr., born November 12, 1929, of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia, at the age of 93, passed away from heart failure in Ashland, Virginia on July 1, 2023. Mr. Betts, Jr. was a retired MSgt USAF and a native of Norfolk, Virginia. He was a member of the Lafayette Presbyterian Church, a past Commander of DAV Chapter #4, past Jr. Vice Commander of VFW Post #3160, a life member of the Fleet Reserve Branch #60, and the American Legion Post #35. He was a disabled veteran of Vietnam awarded with the Bronze Star in 1968.
He is the son of the late Ida M. Doggett Betts and LaVern P. Betts, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Josie B. Smallwood, and cousin, C. Kirkland Miller.
Mr. Betts, Jr. is survived by his daughter Lydia Penny Dickinson (Russ) of Spotsylvania, VA; son, Barry Wayne Betts, Sr. (Sylvia) of Hampton, VA; son-in-law, Michael Smallwood of GA; nine grandchildren; and twenty one great grandchildren.
He was an avid hunter, devoted son, and loving Dad.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, on Monday, July 10, 2023, at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel, 4889 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 PM in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8100 Granby St., Norfolk, VA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Lafayette Presbyterian Church.
