George Nelson Bethea, 71, passed away at his home on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023.
He was a lifelong resident of Radford and was the retired owner with his brother of the Southwest Virginia Tobacco Company and recently was employed with Carilion New River Valley Medical Center in guest services. George was a kind and gentle man and an avid sports fan who loved the Redskins, the Yankees, and the Hokies.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Delma Bethea; a brother, John S. Bethea; and a niece, Elizabeth Paige Bethea.
Survivors include his nephew, John S. Bethea II (Jeneanne); a niece, Meredith Bethea (Samer Katicha); a sister, Hazel Long (Ron) and their children Kimberly, Victoria, Allison, Megan, and Gabe; a sister-in-law, Judy Bethea; many other great-nieces and great-nephews, and other relatives and friends.
The family received friends on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at Grace Episcopal Church in Radford. Memorial services followed with the Rev. William Yagel officiating.
The Bethea family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home and Crematory in Radford.