Earl R. Betts, Jr.

Earl Ray Betts, Jr., 92, of Greensboro, North Carolina, went home to be with his Lord on December 29, 2022. Earl was a proud Greensboro native born on August 16, 1930, to the late Earl Ray Betts Sr. and Miriam Lee Betts. He is survived by his wife, Carol Olson Betts; brother, James Edward Betts (Betty); son, Walter Bryan Betts (Sage); granddaughter, Mallan; grandson, Wyatt; daughter, Laura Betts Hodge (Michael); and three granddaughters, Vivienne, India, and Liv of Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Earl was an Eagle Scout, played on the varsity football team, and graduated from Greensboro Senior High School in 1947. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Sigma Chi, elected Phi Beta Kappa, Monogram Club member, and a member of the first UNC soccer team. Upon graduating with an A.B. in chemistry, Earl enlisted in the U.S. Navy’s Officer Candidate School in New Port, Rhode Island. After receiving his commission as Lieutenant Beach Master in Amphibious Force, he served with the 2nd Marine Battalion on the island of Sardinia. After serving four years in the Navy, he worked in sales with Schering Pharmaceutical Co. in Winston Salem before moving back to Greensboro in 1960. For over three decades, Earl pursued his career as an investor, first as a broker with Bache & Co., later becoming Sr. Vice President of Private Investments with Prudential Securities.

Earl’s formative years at UNC, Navy service, and successful career were important parts of his life, but none surpassed his love for God and family. Earl found joy, purpose, and community at West Market Street United Methodist Church (WMUMC), quietly serving the Lord and others for many, many years.

After caring for his father in his final years, Earl was dedicated to help fund the Bowman School of Medicine for Cancer Research.

Congregants will miss Earl’s presence but fondly remember the many roles he filled within his church. In addition to serving as an usher, head greeter, and Mobile Meals volunteer, Earl taught Sunday school for twelve years and was one of Stephen Ministries' first leaders helping those in crisis. He was known for his compassion, warmth, and especially his kind smile that welcomed congregants and visitors to the sanctuary every Sunday morning. Earl found a particular calling within his church’s Mission Outreach program helping the hungry and less fortunate in Greensboro and worldwide. In particular, he was passionate about Heifer International and United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). When not at WMUMC, Earl volunteered and served breakfast at the Potter’s House of the Urban Ministries for twenty years.

Earl found other joys in life, notably UNC basketball, spending time with his five grandchildren, attending soccer games, playing tennis, swimming in the ocean and riding his bike. One of Earl’s last memories was full of joy and life, riding down the beach with his younger brother, Jimmie.

Earl lived a full life and will be missed dearly by his family and the Greensboro community. He will be remembered most for his gentle heart and kind soul.

In lieu of flowers, Earl requested donations be made to Heifer International World Hunger payable to West Market Street United Methodist Church with Earl Betts Heifer Memorial Gift in the memo line at P.O. Box 870, Greensboro, NC 27402.

Service will be held in the Sanctuary of West Market Street United Methodist Church on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 10 a.m. Visitation will follow in the Gathering Space.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Betts family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.