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Norman 'Buddy' Betts, dedicated firefighter

May 29, 2013

Norman “Buddy” Betts, 79, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2013, in the comfort of his home.

 

Norman was born Jan. 6, 1934, to Ira and Miranda Betts of Millsboro. He attended Millsboro High School and retired after 48 years at Townsend Inc.

 

Norman was a life member of Millsboro Fire Company for 50 years, serving 30 years as a member of the Delaware State Fire Police. During his years of fire service, Norman was awarded: 2005 Delaware Fireman of the Year, 2005 Ned Carey Fireman of the Year award, 2007 Top Responder Fire Police, 2007 Fireman of the Year, and was inducted into the Delaware Firefighters Hall of Fame in 2006.

 

Norman was a member of the Millsboro Jaycees, where he served as the local chapter’s vice president and president. He also served as the state chaplin, local director, and state director. During his years with the Jaycees, Norman was awarded Outstanding Jaycee Spoke Award of the Year and was admitted to membership and fellowship as a life member of the Junior Chamber International as the world’s 11207th JCI Senator, which is the highest award given by the Jaycees.

 

Norman was a charter member of the Sussex Central Ruritan for 37 years, where he served as vice president and president. He was the zone governor for three terms and awarded Ruritan of the Year Award in 2000, 2004 and 2007.

 

Norman was a member of Zoar United Methodist Church, where he was past president of the Men’s Club. He was also a member of the Moose Legion and the Central Delaware Civil War Round Table.

 

In addition to his many organizations, Norman enjoyed his antique toy truck and Hess truck collections and the world of NASCAR.

 

Norman shared his life with his wife, Alice Betts of 58 years. In addition to his parents, Norman was predeceased by his sisters, Catherine Carisle, Mildred Betts, Hazel Pusey, Jenna Mae Rogers and Pauline Cordrey; and brothers Reese Betts and Everett Betts.

 

Norman will be dearly missed by his wife Alice; sister Aliene Miller of Millsboro; sons Paul Betts of Clayton, Randy and Barbara Betts of Georgetown, Mark and Cindy Betts of Dagsboro, Darryl and Janine Betts of Dagsboro, and Kevin Betts and Dustey Long of Millsboro; grandchildren, Tony and Kimberly Wise of Georgetown, Karla Betts of Mechanicsburg, Pa., Hunter and Amber Holland of Frankford, Dylan Betts and his fiancée Nicole Mitchell of Dagsboro, Suzanne Betts of Wilmington, Jesse Betts of Dagsboro, Gage Betts of Dagsboro, and Abby Betts of Wilmington; and great-grandchildren, Mikayla Wise of Georgetown, Wyatt Betts of Dagsboro and Hanna Holland of Frankford.

 

The funeral services will be at Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro with viewings Friday, May 31, 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, June 1, noon to 2 p.m. The service will begin at 2 p.m. with burial at the Millsboro Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Millsboro Fire Company, P.O. Box 83, Millsboro, DE 19966, or Zoar United Methodist Church, c/o Carissa Pepper, 24491 Gravel Hill Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.

 

 

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