Walter Eugene Bethea

September 26, 1945 - April 11, 2024

Walter Eugene Bethea, better known to his family and friends as Bill, was born to Robert Daniels and Margaret Rebecca Bethea on September 26,1945 in Durham, North Carolina. Bill was the firstborn of his siblings Yvonne, Lynette, Beverly, David, and Denise; to include the Daniel siblings.

Bill's childhood years reflect working on the tobacco farm with his family in North Carolina. Bill worked and played hard alongside Yvonne and his cousins, but like every other child, he got into a little mischief as well. One of his long running funny family stories involve him and certain cousins burning down the family house. Though who actually caused the fire remains unclear, Bill was clearly identified as a possible suspect.

As Bill grew older, his family would eventually move to New Haven Connecticut; where he took an interest in electrical troubleshooting, automotive repair, and drafting.

Ironically, after completing high school, Bill found himself drafted, right into the United States Army. He served 2 years in the US Army; nearly missing the Vietnam War. While in the Army, Bill was given the opportunity to express yet another one of his interests, music; competing and even winning various military competitions.

After his military service, Bill later moved to Philadelphia Pennsylvania and started working for the Electric Company. Eventually, he landed a career with the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier for the Westpark Post Office in West Philadelphia.

In 1975 love was in the air; Bill would marry his wife to be, Vickie Lorraine Jerome and later move to Sicklerville Nj; starting a family of his own. First on the scene was his son Todd, followed by his 2nd son Chad. Seeing no reason to change up the routine, The Lord blessed Bill and Vickie with a 3rd son, Adam. In time, Bill discovered his sons made great flashlight holders and tool runners, whenever he was under the hood working on his 71 Pontiac Grand Prix. When he wasn't working on the car, he was filling the house with music and laughter. He would often sing Smokey Robinson's songs; and had everyone in the house grooving and laughing at his wity humor.

Bill ended up serving 30 years with the Postal Service, moving one last time to Mickleton Nj where The Lord would call him home on April 11, 2024.

Bill is survived by his wife Vickie, 3 sons, 3 sisters: Yvonne, Lynette, and Denise. His Aunts; Naomi Bethea Davis, Lucille Bethea, and Evelyn Bethea. His uncle, Lewis Bethea. And a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bill's viewing on Friday April 26th at the Adams-Stiefel Funeral Home 203 W. Broad Street Paulsboro NJ 08062 from 9-11 AM with his funeral service following at 11 AM. His burial will be held at the Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery, Monroe Twp. NJ at 1:00 PM on Friday.

Memories and condolences may be shared @adamsstiefelfuneralhome.com