William H. "Bill" Betts, 69, of Granite City, Ill., born Dec. 9, 1941, in Anna, Ill., passed away on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011, at Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City, Illinois,
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Hampton and Shirley (Treece) Betts.
Mr. Betts was employed by Magna Fab, Inc. in O'Fallon, Ill., prior to co-founding Five-Star Metal Fabricators Inc., in 1984.
Bill was an avid sailor and a member of the Carlyle Yacht Club for many years.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Patricia, nee Witherow, Betts, whom he married on Oct. 22, 1995 in Las Vegas, Nev.; two sons, Joseph Betts and Bradley Betts, both of Granite City, Ill.; two daughters, Angela Betts of Parkville, Mo., and Tricia Betts (Michael Broderick) of Granite City, Ill.; four grandchildren, Sarah Betts, Nicholas Betts, Demiah Broderick and Saleena Broderick; other extended family and many friends.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to a charity of one's choice and may be accepted at the funeral home.
www.irwinchapel.com
Funeral: A private funeral service in celebration of his life will be held.
Burial will be at Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana.
IRWIN CHAPEL, Granite City, Ill.
Published in Belleville News-Democrat from February 14 to February 15, 2011.
William Hamp Betts grew up in Anna, Illinois.
Hamp attented Linclon Grade School, Anna Junior High School, and graduated with the Anna Jonesboro Community High School Class of 1960.
Betts was very active in sports in grade school and High School.
William played football for two years and Basketball for 4 years.
In the 8th grade at Anna Junior high Betts won 1st place in the 50 yard dash and had the 100 yard dash won, but because of what he saw as the finsh line in his glasses stopped just short of the finish line.
Bett was the present of the 1960 senior class and was well liked my all.