Sterling Billy Bethea

Sterling Bethea, affectionately known as "Billy" was the youngest of his siblings born to Annie Ruth and Daniel Bethea from Dillion, South Carolina. He was born on May 03, 1964 and transitioned to be with his heavenly Father on July, 19, 2016. His beloved wife, Linette, was by his side.

Sterling accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and continued his spiritual growth by making sure he joined a God-fearing church in every state he was blessed to live. He and his family are currently members of Empowerment Word Church, in Alabaster, Alabama where Sean Edwards is the

Pastor.

Sterling knew at an early age that he wanted to live his life serving others. This was manifested in his chosen profession and his personal life. His accomplishments are too numerous to list, but one of the major ones is his educational pursuits. After graduating from High Point Central High School in 1982 in High Point, NC He received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. His post graduate work led to many certifications in fields related to Property Management, Real Estate and Management Training. His work career was focused on excelling in management positions to help others obtain housing. His leadership skills led to positions which required exceptional vision and supervisory skills with various companies such as the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. His exemplary knowledge and skills were used in many areas, but he was especially dedicated to the Section 8 and Housing Choice Voucher Program.

He was founder and CEO of the BND Group, INC in Lawrenceville, GA where he designed and implemented process-improvement initiatives for public housing. He worked for the Housing Authority of Birmingham (HABD) at the time of his passing as Director of Section 8 and Leased Housing.

His life of service is also seen in his willingness to serve his country and others. He joined the United States Army in 1984. He also mentored youth, as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Sterling was a family man who loved God. He was joined in Holy Matrimony to Linette Harris on July 11, 2012 in Birmingham, AL. He was a wonderful and amazing husband and outstanding father whom gave guidance and unconditional love. He was an amazing leader who genuinely cared about the needs

and concerns of others. His contributions helped the Birmingham community. Because of his dedication and strong work ethic, many families have been blessed.

His personal life was rich because of his loving wife and children. He had a great love for sports and comedy. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, family, friends and his staff and co- workers.

Those left to cherish his memories are his wife, Linette and his daughter, Shania, Jayden, Brandi, Brittney and Keia. He is survived by four sisters, Diane Reed and Geneva (Simmie) McCall both from High Point, N. C, Sarah (Nelson) Smith of Dillion S. C, Margaret (Russell) Cobb of Center Islip, N.Y., and by two brothers, Charlie (Jacqueline) Bethea of Winston - Salem, NC and Daniel Bethea, Jr. of Dilion, SC, and mother-in-law, Jessie Harris. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Antoinette (Tony) Enclarde of Violet, LA, Rachelle Harris, Gloria Harris, Rose (Henry) Phipps of New Orleans, LA, and Dorothy Morris of Los Angeles, CA; and by brothers-in-law, Nathaniel (Sherry) Harris of Stone Mountain, GA, Milton (Jocelyn) Harris and Donald (Carol) Harris of New Orleans, LA, Michael Harris and Terry (Dorean) Harris of Violet, LA. He is preceded in death by his mother, Annie Ruth Bethea; three sisters, Caroline Bethea, Carolyn Davis and Mary Bruce; and father-in-law, Nathaniel Harris, Sr.

The celebration of Mr. Bethea's life will be at 11:00 am on Friday, July 29, 2016 at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will be at 1:15 pm at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL.