Thomas Lee Betterton, Jr.

Mr. Thomas Lee Betterton, Jr. age 96, passed away on Sunday October 1st, 2017 at CMC Pineville. He was born on October 27, 1920 in Ashland, Kentucky to the late Thomas Lee Betterton Sr, and Addie Lee King. Tom was a WWII Lieutenant in the Army Air Corp. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp at the beginning of WWII. He was stationed in Victoria, TX where he was an instructor for pilots. He later served on the European front as a fighter pilot flying the P47 Thunderbolt. He was a distinguished Air Force Veteran and a recipient of the distinguished flying cross. Tom spent his working career in the furniture industry managing stores and was a buyer for Kimbrell's and Leath Maxwell. Tom was a Mason, Shriner and was an Honorary Kentucky Colonel. He was an avid golfer, took a parachute jump at 81, loved to watch football and horse racing, especially the Kentucky Derby.

Tom was preceded in death by his first wife, Dreama Surbaugh Betterton. His three siblings Rex Betterton, Max Betterton and Charlotte Redding and his son, Ray Lee Betterton.

He is survived by his wife, Eva Carlino Betterton, of 29 years. His daughter Jandre Betterton O'Keef of Tega Cay,SC and husband David Corbett O'Keef; His son Thomas Lee Betterton III, of Daphne, Al; Brenda Betterton of Charleston, SC, wife of the late Ray Lee Betterton; Jim Carlino and wife Barbara Carlino and daughter Kenzie; Tina Carlino-Peake of Fort Walton Beach, Fl. His five grand children, Cheri Elkins of Jacksonville, Fl; Diedre Henry of Hickory, NC and husband Mark Henry; LeeAnne Firzlaff of Summerville, SC and husband Troy Firzlaff: Stephanie Harrison of Ravenel, SC and husband Scotty Harrison; Kyann O'keef of Charlotte, NC. Seven great-grandchildren Christian, David, Tyler, Charlotte, Drayton, Ella and Kenzie.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association in honor of Thomas Lee Betterton, Jr.

Services for Tom will be held this Thursday October 5, 2017 at the Palmetto Funeral Home, 2049 Carolina Place Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29708. Visitation will begin at 12:00 with a memorial service, officiated by Pastor Barry Yates, at 1:00 A graveside service will be held at the Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Rd Charlotte, NC 28212, at 2:30.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.palmettofh.com

The family of Mr. Betteron, Jr. is being served by Palmetto Funeral Home and Crematory.

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