John Allan Betz

John Allan Betz, 71, of Roswell, GA , passed away Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015 in Atlanta, GA, after a brave fight with cancer. He was born in Altoona PA, son of John Helms and Virginia (Nearhoof) Betz, and graduated from Altoona High School. He proudly served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force for seven years. John had a long career as a stock broker and was employed as Vice President - Investments at Carter Terry & Company in Atlanta; he considered his proudest achievement his long-term and personal relationships with his clients. He was an avid 8-ball pool player, captain of the local Strange Cues team, and recently competed in championship playoffs in Las Vegas. His AA family helped him to celebrate 25-plus years of sobriety and he paid it forward with an active role in sharing the organization’s principles. Johnny was well known for his quiet generosity, his persistent wit, and his dedication to his career. He leaves behind a loving family including his son, Christopher Allan Betz of Atlanta, his daughters Kelli Diane (Ryan) Reeves of Canton, and Pamela York Crabtree of Grayson GA; his sisters, Linda Brier of Delray Beach FL and Cathy (Matt) Durbin of West Palm Beach FL, and a nephew, Joel Allan Brier of North Palm Beach FL. John was known as “Papa John” to his five grandchildren. Friends are invited to his memorial service at 3 p.m. Monday, March 2 at Hillside United Methodist Church, Woodstock GA, and the family will receive friends at a reception in Canton following the service. A service with military honors will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at 9:30 am at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton. Donations in his honor can be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org. We will all miss him greatly. On line condolences may be offered at www.woodstockfuneralhome.com.