Cedric W. Bettis, 89, of De Leon, went home to meet his Lord and Savior Wednesday, July 28, 2021. He was born October 10, 1931, in Dublin, Texas to Quincy and Flora (Tackett) Bettis. Cedric married  Betty Guest on May 30, 1952.

Cedric graduated from Dublin High School in 1949. He played football for John Tarleton University and Southwest Texas State University.  He earned his master's degree from Baylor University. Cedric served in the United States Air Force. After a successful coaching career, he and Betty returned to this area where he became a respected administrator and teacher until his retirement in 1991. A highlight of his later career was teaching hundreds of teenagers to drive.  He was a long-time member of De Leon First Baptist Church serving as a Deacon and was actively involved for many years as a Gideon.

In his spare time, Cedric loved to golf, play softball, garden, and bird watch (or critter watch as he called it). He also enjoyed restoring and collecting antique trucks. He was a loving and devoted husband to Betty, selfless father to George Ann and Brad, attentive grandfather, loyal friend and neighbor, and a servant of God. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Surviving Cedric is his daughter, George Ann Kuettel and husband, Bruce; son, Brad Bettis and wife, Tracey; grandchildren, Matt Kuettel, Mason Kuettel and wife, Jenny, Whitley Bettis, Codi Bettis and Braden Bettis; great-grandchildren, Jacob Kuettel, Emma Kuettel, James Kuettel and Faith Kuettel. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty, in 2017; parents; and one sister, Wilma Maikell.

A celebration of Cedric's life was held Monday, August 9, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at De Leon First Baptist Church with Brother Matt Morton officiating and Deacon Sam Sparger speaking. Graveside services followed in Erath Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Bruce Kuettel, Matt Kuettel, Mason Kuettel, James Kuettel, Braden Bettis, and Andy Lopez. Honorary pallbearers were Jackie Gentry, Autry Andress and Wade Pyburn.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International at P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251, or to the De Leon Food Pantry at 6368 HWY 16, De Leon, Texas 76444, in memory of Cedric.