Richard Thomas Betton

Dick Betton passed away July 19, 2015 after a short illness. Born in Canton, Ohio in 1924, he was the son of Lucille (Zimmerman) Betton and Donald Paul Betton. Dick grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where he met his wife of 68 years, Jean. In 1961 the Bettons moved their family to Petersburg, and Dick began a long career working for Allied Chemical as a chemical engineer.
Dick is survived by his wife Jean; his daughter Kathy (Betton) Philips, her husband Dick, and their children, Blythe and Corey; and his son Rick Betton, his wife Jennie (Plott) Betton, and their children, Will, Anna and Molly.
An animal lover, Dick encouraged his children to revel in science and nature. Both became science educators. He and his greyhound Sweet Sue were regular visitors at senior facilities for many years.
He was very active in the Petersburg community and served on the School Board from 1992-1995.
Dick was most in his element making friends, both locally and internationally. He and Jean were members of the Friendship Force hosting international guests and staying in homes of people living all over the world. He also helped new international residents understand American slang in classes in his home. He thrilled in human diversity and had friends of all races and religions from near and far.
Dick and Jean loved visiting the Greensboro Science Center where there is a brick in their names which says, “Dick and Jean Betton, lovers of all God’s creatures.”
He was a private pilot, story writer, grammarian and a proud bargain hunter. Most importantly, Dick was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed.
A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held at a future, undetermined date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greensboro Science Center, 4301 Lawndale Dr. Greensboro, NC 27455 . Condolences may be made at www.jtmorriss.com