JOHNNIE HUGH "JAY" "HANK" BETHANY, 71,
was a longtime Ranger, TX though he did not attend
Ranger High School. Known as "grandpop", he was
a teacher, photographer, newspaper editor, Scout-
master, Jay passed away April 27, 2003 at home in
Brownwood although he always considered Ranger to
be his home. Burial was at Murray Cemetery in
Carbon.
Jay was born July 19, 1931 in Carbon, TX, and
lived in Fort Worth and Ranger most of his life.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1949-52 on the
aircraft carrier USS Palau. Following his tour
in the Navy, he worked as a telegraph agent with
the railroad, theatre manager, technical illustrator
for General Dynamics, newspaper editor for the
Ranger Times, owner/editor/publisher of the
Ranger Star, and media specialist, photography
and art teacher for Ranger Jr. College. He hiked
Philmont Scout Ranch as the scoutmaster with
Troop 10 in Ranger and soloed the Appalachian
trail at age 60. He loved scouting, hiking,
writing, painting, photography and a hot cup of
coffee while sitting around a campfire.
Jay loved his family and friends and said recently,
"I love all of you - something I have had difficulty
saying over the years, but it has always been true-."
He also noted, "The inevitable is just that, and when
it is time, nothing will stand in the way..." Jay's
character and integrity will be missed by those who
have been touched by his kindness and wit.
He was preceded in death by his father, J.C. Bethany
in 1946; mother, Ocie Bethanie in 1976; brother, V.E.
(Pete) Bethany in 1977; brother, J.E. (Jack) in 1994;
and father-in-law, D.E. (Red) Stewart in 1993. He is
survived by his wife, Geneva; daughter, Melody of
Arlington (RHS-1975); son and daughter-in-law, Mark
(RHS-1976) and Cindy and daughters, Ronnie and Erin
of Arlington; mother-in-law, Hallie Stewart of Rising
Star; stepsons, Bobby Linney and daughter Jennifer of
Brownwood and Tommy and Vicky Linney and sons Joey,
Josh and Jacob of Grandview and daughter Sharee. He
is also survived by four great-grandchildren.