Robert James Bethel, Sr., 65, of Newport News, passed away on January 13, 2023.
Robert served his country in the Coast Guard where he retired as a Chief and received various awards. He went on to work as a Skilled Electrician for Newport News Shipbuilding. He attended ECPI’s College of Technology where he received his associates degree.
He had many hobbies that included horticulture, chess, and photography. He loved to listen to jazz music, reading a good book, and had a love for History and could often be found watching any historical documentary.
He is preceded in death by his father, Cecil R. Bethel; mother, Thalia M. Bethel; and sister, Cecilia Bethel. He is survived by his wife, JoyeLynne Bethel; sons Robert J. Bethel, Jr. and Devin J. Bethel and his wife; daughter, Tanasha M. Bethel; daughters-in-love Nicole Wright and Cheetara Arrington; sister, Georginna M. Bethel; and grandchildren, Kenneth N. Bethel, Kyrie J. Bethel, Kassidy J. Bethel, and Kennedy J. Flora.
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 27, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with a service to follow.
