Billy Jay Bettis

Billy Jay Bettis, born July 27, 1929 in Smithville, Arkansas to Tucker and Josie (Ratliff) Bettis, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 11, 2011. Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 15th, at the Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, with Interment following in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. The family requests contributions to First Baptist of Northern Heights Youth Group, 6311 NW Waukomis Dr., KCMO 64151.

Billy Jay was 1 of 10 children. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters Opal Freeman and Mildred Collins; 6 brothers, Cledus, Braden, R.C., Eugene, Manford and Clyde. He was also preceded in death by granddaughter, Ashley Noel Miller.

Billy Jay married the love of his life, Juanita Pickett on November 8, 1953. They would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this November. To this marriage, 4 children were born: Rev. Randall Jay Bettis (Ruthie) of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Cynthia Lynn Miller (Ogden), Edwin Jeffery Bettis (Rachel) and Angelia Beth Larson (Bill), all of Kansas City, Missouri. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren; Braden (Amber), Ryan (Chely), Megan (Josh), Austin (Bianca), Britton, Corey (Amanda), and Jude on the way; 4 great-grandchildren and 1 on the way; 2 foster great-grandchildren; and 1 sister, Rose DeRossett of Arkansas.

Billy Jay was born a share cropper’s son and was no stranger to hard work. From factory work to pastoring, whatever he did, he gave 100% and did not tolerate laziness. In 1953 he gave his heart to the Lord. In 1974, he surrendered to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His first pastorate was at Ocheltree Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Kansas. He retired from pastoring from First Baptist of Northern Heights due to health reasons.

Billy Jay was loyal to his God, his family, and his country. He will be sorely missed by friends and family. See you later Dad- We love you.

Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.chapelhill-butler.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street in Kansas City, Kansas (913) 334-3366.