of Huntsville, AL
June 20, 1959 - May 4, 2023
James Reed Bethel went to be with the Lord on May 4, 2023. He was born on June 20, 1959 to Dr. James Claude and Pauline Reed Bethel. He graduated from the University of Arkansas and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He served God faithfully as a pastor to Clifton Baptist Church in Clifton, Louisiana and Otter Creek Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas and continued to spread the gospel as much as possible for the rest of his life.
He leaves four children, Rachel Allison Hale of San Antonio, Texas; Stuart Reed Bethel of Hazel Green, Alabama; Mary Susan Godchaux of Madison, Alabama and Victoria Elizabeth Bethel of Athens, Georgia and his mother, Pauline (Reed) Bethel of New York, New York. His siblings are Claudette Ripley of Little Rock, Arkansas, John Bethel of Benton, Arkansas and Dr. Justin Bethel of Benton, Arkansas.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home in Benton AR from 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.
The funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Benton, Arkansas, Monday, May 8, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Kirk Cemetery in Cauthron, Arkansas.
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24 Condolence(s)
ROBERT MEREDITH
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
I met you at the Billy Graham crusade in Little Rock Ar. where I was saved, you invited me to church and became my pastor/mentor and friend. I take comfort in knowing I will see you again, and that you are now at peace because your work has been finished. I am both crying and smiling at the same time. Love you Reed , rest in God’s glory until we meet again.
Bob & Wilma Bonds
Monday, May 22, 2023
Bob and I we’re so saddened to hear about Reed’s passing. We remember him as such a fine and gentle soul. We want to extend our condolences to Pauline, John, Justin and Claudette and their families and Reed’s family. Love and hugs to all.
John&LindaWoolbright
Monday, May 8, 2023
Pauline, Children and Grandchildren~
We are so very sorry to hear about Reed’s passing. We remember him from 40 years ago as a young minister with a young family. May God bring you precious memories of only good times and may He bring you all a peace that passes our human understanding. Our prayers and sympathy are with you during this sad and difficult time.
Love & Blessings~
John & Linda Woolbright
Greg Ford
Monday, May 8, 2023
To the Bethel Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bethel Family at this trying time. I enjoyed going to school with Reed. Rest in Peace.ðŸ™ðŸ™
Renee James
Monday, May 8, 2023
Prayers for this beautiful Bethel family.
Reed was definitely one of the kindest friends in our class. Everyone enjoyed being around him-knowing also that Pauline would spoil us all !!
During this time, May your hearts heal knowing he is in the presence of our LordðŸ™
Barry E. Cutrer
Monday, May 8, 2023
To all of Reed's family & loved ones:
Reed & I quickly became good friends when we first met in the fall of 1983 while students at New Orleans Seminary. A year later, shortly after he became the pastor of Clifton Baptist Church, I became the minister of youth there, and we served at the church together for the next two years. Both young and single, the church as a whole pretty much adopted us, and despite our youth and lack of experience, the Lord blessed both us and the church immensely. After I left Clifton, Reed and I remained close for many years. We saw each other occasionally and spoke to one another frequently. I regret that we eventually lost touch with one another, and I was so saddened to learn of his death. Reed was a unique individual. I pray that each of you will cherish the fond memories you have of him, and that you will be comforted in knowing that he is now at perfect peace.
Roger & Debbie Wright
Sunday, May 7, 2023
I went to school with Reed. He was smart, kind, and so talented. May God give you comfort during this difficult time. ðŸ™
Phil & Sharon Daugherty
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Condolences to Pauline and her family from Phil and Sharon.
Scott Frazier
Sunday, May 7, 2023
So sad to hear of Reed's passing. I have so many fond memories of him through high school and college, and of the adventures we had together. I will always remember his laugh and his smile and how true a friend he was. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all during this time. God bless, Reed, and rest in peace my friend.
Vikki Chambers Walton
Sunday, May 7, 2023
My condolences to the Bethel family. Reed was one of a kind, funny, warm, selfless, and sincere. With great fashion sense and taste in music, too... He was called to his encounter with Eternity far too soon. Rest now, Cousin. You will be missed by many.
Steve and Julie Scott
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Prayers and our Love join your hearts as we celebrate the life of Reed. We are thankful for the time we spent together here in Atlanta and for Steve fond memories at the Reed home in Benton.
Robin Seabloom Kim
Sunday, May 7, 2023
I will always remember Reed fondly. My earliest memories of him are as a small child visiting my grandmother's house, located across the street from the Bethel's house. Hanging out and playing together, along with the Mayo kids, attending VBS, Sunday School, and just being kids are some of my best memories of my childhood. Reed was always special - kind, fun, genuine - with a smile that lit up a room and made anyone feel welcomed.
Reed will be missed by many.
Peggy Hynum
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Sorry to hear of your loss He will always hold a special place in my heart ðŸ™ðŸ»
Frank & Joan Meeks
Sunday, May 7, 2023
His faith lives on in you and all of your family and, no doubt, to so many others who he touched through his ministry. We are trually sorry for your loss as we pray and celebrate a life well lived.
Debbie Barnes
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Rest in peace Reed, I know your happy now with your Lord. My prayers are with your family now as they grieve you loss. ðŸ™ðŸ»â¤ï¸
Jeff Presnall
Saturday, May 6, 2023
I just heard the news. May God bless and comfort you and the family. Prayers are with you.
Tanya Steward Jordan
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Many prayers for the Bethel family I was sovsadden to hear of his passing.We attended High School together and he was such a kind person
Mandy Tackett Smart
Saturday, May 6, 2023
My prayers to Reed's family and friends. Reed was a kind person durning our school years.
Cindy Zinn Lawrence
Saturday, May 6, 2023
I have known Reed most of my life since the 1st. grade. He was one of the kindest people I have ever known. I was disabled in school and he helped me and protected me many times in school. He has always held a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May God bless you.
Gary Robbins
Saturday, May 6, 2023
I’m so saddened to hear about Reed’s passing. He was such a kind person and such a great friend. Will always remember our days growing up in school. Prayers for you all.
Joel Sharp
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Condolences and prayers for you and your family my friend. Rest now.
Jacque Haynes Noles
Saturday, May 6, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Reed's passing. He was a sweet person. Prayers of comfort and peace during this stressfull time.
Dave Chambers
Saturday, May 6, 2023
My hearth breaks for the Bethel family and I offer my condolences. I was so saddened by Reed’s passing. He used to stay with us on his travels through Colorado many years ago and was always fun to catch up with. Prayers for the entire family…
Sherry
Friday, May 5, 2023
To the family of James Bethel
Our hearts go out to you, losing the one you love dearly.
At Otter Creek First Baptist we were all family. What a loss this is. We will miss such a godly man who ministered to so many. Our hearts are broken for you. Lifting
You all up in prayer.
All our love,
Hal, Barrett and Sherry Harger ðŸ™ðŸ™