Raymond Thomas 'Shorty' Bethard

October 18, 2012

Raymond Thomas “Shorty” Bethard, 94, of Benton died Sunday, Oct. 14, at Saline Memorial Hospice House in Bryant. He was born April 26, 1918, in Fouke. Shorty was retired from McCoy Couch Furniture. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, having serve with the 46th Seabees Battalion., and was a Baptist.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas G. Bethard and Ettie Johnson Bethard; his wife, Merle Browning Bethard; two brothers; and three sisters. 
He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Raymelle and Bob Paxton of Benton; Rhonda and David Harp of Portland, Tenn.; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Ten Mile Cemetery with the Rev. Dennis McClintic officiating. Ashby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials for Shorty Bethard may be made to the Jacob McClintic Memorial Scholarship, 9924 Highway 5, Benton, AR 72019.
 Online guest book: www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.