Jimmy Phillip Betts, 70, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 3, 2012 at Rex Rehab and Long Term Care in Apex, NC after a period of declining health. Jimmy was born January 27, 1943 to the late Travis P. and Margaret R. Betts. He was preceded in death by his brother, Mickey Betts. He was a long time resident of Fuquay- Varina, graduated from Fuquay High School and later attended East Carolina University. He worked for Imperial Tobacco Company as a tobacco buyer and then for Standard Commercial Tobacco Company, where he retired as Vice President of sales in 2003. Jimmy is survived by his former wife, Emma Campbell; daughters, Angela Sherrill and husband Bradley of Greensboro, NC; Rancia Rodgers and husband Matthew of Holly Springs, NC; “adopted” daughter Marsha Smith and husband Wayne House of Fuquay-Varina; and grandchildren Clay and Grace Sherrill, Campbell Rodgers, Melissa Parker and husband Shane, and Morgan House. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 12:00 pm at Williford Funeral Home in Fuquay-Varina, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive visitors at other times at the home located at 1712 Wagstaff Rd. Memorial donations may be made to the Rex Healthcare Excellence in Long Term Care Fund, Rex Healthcare Foundation, 2500 Blue Ridge Rd. Ste. 325, Raleigh, NC 27607 or online at www.rexhealth.com/ donate-now.
Jimmy was my age also. In January 1961, Jimmy and Emma picked me up in Duncan as I was hitch-hiking and gave me a ride to Fuquay. I was headed to Raleigh to be inducted into the U. S. Navy.
My condolences to Jimmy’s children and family.
ithought so much of JIMMY IN SCHOOL . HE WAS ALWAYS SO QUIET AND SWEET. I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT HIS ILLNESS. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU. HE WAS MY AGE AND TOO YOUNG TO LEAVE US, BUT GOD ALWAYS KNOWS BEST.