Willie Bethune

Willie Bethune, was born January 19, 1948 in Wilmington, North Carolina to the late Bessie Mae and Willie Bethune Sr. Willie was the second of two children. His older brother Thomas preceded him in death. Willie disliked the Jr. designation attached to his birth name and never used it. Only a few family members affectionately called him Willie Jr. but no one else was permitted to do so. Willie was raised attending St. Stephens A.M.E Church in Wilmington, North Carolina. Educated in Wilmington, NC, Willie graduated from Williston Senior High School in 1966 before enlisting in the U. S. Army where he served two tours in Vietnam from 1967 - 1969. After returning from Vietnam, Willie relocated to New York City where he worked on Wall Street as a Research Clerk. He then worked for the New York City Police Department as a Police Administrative Aide at the 76 Precinct, Brooklyn, NY and later worked for the NYC Rapid Transit Operations as a Conductor before retiring in 1990. Willie attended and was greatly involved with his fellow veterans at the Veterans Administrations PTSD program in Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, NY.Willie maintained lifelong friendships and he called his family and close friends on a regular basis. Willie met Carolyn in New York during the late 1990's and he pursued her until they married in June, 2003. He adored his wife expressing his love for her with flowers at home, flowers and Edible Arrangements at work , not to mention the surprise infomercial gifts. One Sunday, as he and Carolyn sat in church, Willie answered the alter call and gave his life to Christ at Calvary Full Gospel Church, Fairless Hills, PA. When he could no longer attend church, Willie would faithfully watch church services on television especially Charles Stanley.Willie was an avid sports fan and was glued to the television during football and basketball seasons. He enjoyed all teams but his favorite was the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles. Willie is survived by his beloved and devoted wife Carolyn Bethune, Morrisville, PA, Daughters Tanya Bethune, New York, Deidra Rouse, Bristol, PA, Stavaughn Wilson (husband Howard), Morrisville, PA, Son Wayne Young, Yonkers, NY, Brother in-law Derek Brown (wife Marcy) Summerville, SC, Great Aunt Eloise Pompey, Merriville, IN Uncle James White, Virginia Beach, VA, Aunt MaryLou White, Wilmington, NC., Eight grand-children and three great grand-children, a host of nieces, nephews cousins and friends.The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Yalla Yeager, Hawa Mahoney, Joan Darmohray and the entire staff at Southeastern Medical Services, Also, Joe Sloss and Dr. Philip Green from the Philadelphia VA Hospital for taking excellent care of our beloved Willie Bethune.

Calling Hours
Thursday, November 3, 2016
10:30:00 - 11:30:00
J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel
41 W. Trenton Ave.
Morrisville PA

Funeral Service
Thursday, November 3, 2016
11:30:00
J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel
41 W. Trenton Ave.
Morrisville PA

Burial with Military Honors
Thursday, November 3, 2016
13:30:00
Washington Crossing National Cemetery
830 Highland Rd.
Newtown PA