James Andrew "Drew" Betts Jr.

James Andrew “Drew” Betts, Jr., 35, of Raleigh, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Ocean Isle Beach, NC after a long and courageous battle with a respiratory illness. Drew was a native and lifelong resident of Raleigh. He was a 1995 graduate of Broughton High School, a 1999 graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and 2003 graduate of Campbell University Law School. Drew was a member of White Memorial Presbyterian Church and the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity at UNC.

Drew is survived by his parents, James Andrew “Andy” Betts, Sr. and Elizabeth “Beth” Casey Betts of Raleigh; two brothers, Preston Bradford Betts and his wife, Lauren Peterson Betts of Charleston, SC., and Tyler Chapman Betts of Raleigh; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce S. Betts of Charlotte and Mary E. Lloyd of Kinston and the late Norman Casey; his god daughter Blythe Michaels and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Drew was a man of strong faith and trusted in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He lived life to the fullest despite his lifelong battles with health issues which he faced with amazing strength and grace. He knew life could be short but he chose to make the most of it with a wonderful wit and great gift for humor. His loves in life included his family, his Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers, everything about his beloved Carolina Tar Heels, the legal profession, Camp Seagull, a good party, shagging, riding a boat and being at the beach. He was truly loved and respected by every single person that knew him. Our lives were much richer for knowing him and we will sorely miss him in this world.

Family will receive friends 5-7 PM Saturday at their home, 409 Yarmouth Rd., Raleigh. Please park at Carolina Place, 2626 Glenwood Ave., where shuttle service will be provided to the family home. Funeral services will be held 3 PM Sunday at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Rd., Raleigh. Family will greet friends following the service in the Jane Bell Gathering Space at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Drew’s memory may be made to White Memorial Presbyterian Church. Share your condolences at www.brownwynne.com