William Dallas Bethea, Capt. USN (Ret)
May 6, 1945 ~ January 10, 2024
Born in:
Atlanta, GA
Resided in:
Vienna, VA
Captain William Dallas Bethea III passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at his home in Vienna, Virginia at the age of 78. Dallas was born in Atlanta, Georgia on May 6, 1945, the son of William “Bill” Dallas Bethea Jr. and Betty Ashurst Bethea.
Dallas is survived by his wife, Gayle Lorraine (Garside) Bethea; his children, Robert Patrick Bethea and Bonnie Bethea Limmer; his daughter-in-law, Jillian (Biller) Bethea; his son-in-law, Joe Limmer; and his grandchildren, Morgan, Katherine, Caroline, Parker, Sarah, Benjamin, and Elizabeth.
Though born in Georgia, Dallas was raised in Los Angeles, California, and throughout his many moves during his 32-year career with the United States Navy he remained an ardent lover of the Golden State. He attended Venice High School and made a life-long bond with a group of friends, known as the “Sultans”, that were known for mischievous antics that were hilariously retold at reunions and informal get togethers. He was also passionately involved in baseball and was a celebrated pitcher that almost made it to the big leagues with an offer from the Baltimore Orioles. But, alas, the call to public service was a more powerful draw.
He graduated from California State University, Northridge in 1969 with a major in History, which continued as a lifetime passion. He remained a dedicated supporter of the CSUN History Department and established a scholarship in honor of a former professor and dear family friend, James “Jim” Sefton, to be given to a history major or graduate student enrolled in the University’s History Department and had a demonstrated interest in United States political, constitutional, or military history. In 2013, the History Department established the annual Distinguished History Alumni Award to those who have had a successful career in their chosen field. Dallas was the first recipient of this award and delivered a speech at a formal reception held in his honor.
Dallas enlisted in the Naval Reserve in March 1966 as a selectee in the Reserve Officer Candidate program. He was commissioned in April 1969 after marrying his bride of almost 55 years, Gayle, and graduating from Officer Candidate School. His first active-duty assignment was Naval Beach Group ONE in Yokosuka, Japan, where he participated in Operation KEYSTONE CARDINAL which was the first major phase of Marine withdrawal from Vietnam. Dallas and Gayle have fond memories of their newly married life living in a Japanese paper house out in the middle of a rice paddy. Following that tour, and after augmentation into the Regular Navy, he served aboard USS BAINBRIDGE (CGN 25) from 1970 to 1974. During this period, he completed three operational deployments to Vietnam.
Dallas had a great passion for the Navy and the sailors who worked with him, especially when he was assigned to a ship. His tours spanned several, including the USS LEAHY (CG 16) as an Operations Officer and the USS WADSWORTH (FFG 9) as an Executive Officer. But his two great naval loves were the ships where he assumed command: the USS GARY (FFG 51) and the USS COWPENS (CG 63).
In December 1986, he assumed command of USS GARY (FFG 51), in Bunbury, Australia. While in command of GARY, the ship deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation PRAYING MANTIS and was subsequently awarded two Battle Efficiency Awards and sixteen departmental awards while assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron NINE.
During his command of USS COWPENS from 1993 to 1995, the ship was deployed twice with the KITTY HAWK Battle Group to the Persian Gulf and Western Pacific, won two Battle Efficiency Awards and the 1994 Spokane Trophy as the top surface warship in the Pacific Fleet based on sustained operational and combat systems excellence.
In 1998, Dallas retired after more than 32 years in the Navy and settled in Vienna, Virginia. Dallas’ career awards include four Legions of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals, four Navy Commendation Medals, and two Navy Achievement Medals.
For those that knew him, it’s understood that his military career was very important to him. But what he truly prioritized was family, friends, laughter, and adventure. He and Gayle were avid travelers, taking numerous cross-country road trips – even traveling the full Route 66 – and taking over 20+ cruises across the world. He was an award-winning storyteller. He loved fast cars, John Belushi movies, politics, dirty jokes, and buttercream frosting. He loved to brag about his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a deeply proud and sentimental man who cherished friendships and memories, especially those of his loving parents, Bill and Betty. We are comforted that he’s with them again.
“Rest easy, Captain Daddy. We’ve got the watch.”
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 11 AM at the Church of the Holy Comforter – 543 Beulah Rd NE, Vienna, VA 22180 – with a reception afterwards at the church. The memorial service will be streamed live on the Church’s YouTube channel for those that cannot attend in person. https://www.youtube.com/@holycomforterviennava463/featured Dallas will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery this summer with military funeral honors with funeral escorts, which is the pomp and circumstance that he adored.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made payable to the CSUN Foundation History Department scholarship fund that Dallas established. In the memo section designate the gift to: James Sefton History Scholarship Endowment, in honor of Dallas Bethea. Checks should be sent to: California State University, Northridge Foundation 18111 Nordhoff Avenue – Valera Hall 110 Northridge, CA 91330-8296. Gifts can also be made through the Foundation’s giving website at https://engage.csun.edu/SeftonEndow
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Service: January 19, 2024 11:00 am
Church of the Holy Comforter
543 Beulah Road, NE
Vienna, VA 22181
703-938-7440
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543 Beulah Road, NE,Vienna, VA 22181
Graveside Service: August 2, 2024 9:00 am
Arlington National Cemetery
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Arlington, VA 22201
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My sincerest condolences to the Bethea family on the passing of Dallas. I had the pleasure of serving with him ashore on a number of occasions and cherished our opportunities to discuss all things Navy and baseball. A true gentleman in all regards and professional Naval officer. Fair Winds my friend.
Capt Betgea was a remarkable man with a love for this country and our military. I served under him on the Cowpens but didn’t really know much about him until we connected on Facebook. His love for sharing stories was evident as he knew I spent a lot of time in the film industry so he loved to tell me his experiences. I can speak on behalf of the Cowpens crew when I say he will be missed… thank you
Captain Bethea came onboard the Cowpens a few months after I was onboarded in 1993. As an electronics petty officer I had little interaction with the Captain. The two times I remember both left me shaking my head. Not long after he got there I passed him in the passageway later at night. I said something to the effect of “evening Skipper”. His face grimaced a bit and he turned to look at me as I continued past. I just remember thinking, what are you doing, you don’t know if he likes being called Skipper or if he thinks it’s disrespectful. Why didn’t you just say Captain or Sir. I quickly moved on glad the passageway was dark with only red lights. My next interaction was no better, I was tasked with fixing his stateroom phone. The repair took longer than expected and I was hurrying to finish when he opened the stateroom door. “Aren’t you guys done yet? He asked clearly annoyed. “Just doing op checks sir, we’ll be finished in a minute “. Strike two I thought, one more and the man we’ll run me out of the Navy. The third strike never came and I departed the Navy in 1995 a few months before he did. Years later after joining Facebook and some Cowpens groups I received a friend request from my old Captain. I was surprised and honored and gladly accepted. I honestly enjoyed his posts, from moments and accomplishments of his kids and grandkids, to great photos of his time in the Navy. They were welcome additions to my timeline that I never failed to like. I always hoped to run into him at the Cowpens reunion, apologize for calling him Skipper and buy him a drink. To his family and friends you have my deepest condolences. To my old Captain, fair winds and following seas Sir…..it was an honor.
Dear Gayle, Rob, Bonnie and family,
I was so sad to hear of Dallas passing. We were cousins on my mother’s side. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with him and his family in Lexington Virginia over the past 40 years. He was a gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor, great smile and a remarkable career. We would meet from time to time when he and Gayle were in Lexington to visit his parents in Stonewall Jackson Cemetery. Sending hugs to all.
Love, Pat
My deepest sympathies to the Bethea Family
Sincerely
Daniel H White
We shall miss you, my friend. Thank you for being a best friend, shipmate, and mentor.
The world is a bit dimmer without him in it. I know that even though he is not physically with us any longer, wherever he is, he will be face to the wind going flank speed. Fair winds and following seas Captain.
RIP 💔
I am deeply saddened to learn the loss of my friend and shipmate. I first met Dallas when I commanded the USS Lynde McCormick (DDG-8) and Dallas was a staff officer who was frequently embarked on the ship and with whom I enjoyed knowing greatly. I next met Dallas when he attended Destroyer School in Newport, R.I., and we became closer friends after that experience. While we did not contact each other often, our friendship remained. He was a terrific naval officer and inspirational person, and he will be sorely missed.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Harris Sperling
A great American, Leader, Mariner, and Gentleman who touched and greatly improved lives at every stage of his life. Proud to have served with him as one of his department heads in “Freedom’s Foremost Guardian” USS GARY (FFG 51). To see him at sea, in his element, now that was amazing. Remarkable mentor and friend, taken too early. To know him was to have been inspired by him to one’s full potential! Rest well in the arms of our Lord oh noble warrior, and may your family, friends, and shipmates find peace in their earthly loss.
Mrs. Bethea, Bonnie and Rob,
I was so very sorry to learn of Capt. Bethea’s passing. He was a great leader, great Naval Officer and a great friend, my father told me so. I know that in keeping up with him via Facebook that he was immensely proud of both of you and of his grandchildren. I know that somewhere he and my dad are on a ships bridge wing, swapping sea stories and enjoying the fair winds and the following seas.
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Was fortunate to have served twice with Dallas. First aboard USS WADSWORTH where he was my Executive Officer and again at BUPERS. Like everyone he met, he made an indelible impression with his outsized personality, raucous humor, indefatigable energy, and unrelenting professionalism. He made everyone around him better and it was not by accident or good fortune that his commands were rated the best among his peers; he made them that way. He was the epitome of a ship’s Captain and Joseph Conrad would have recognized him immediately as such with his countenance and demeanor. The void he leaves in his passing can never be filled, but his family and friends can take solace in the warmth of the memories of having been a part of his life. Fair Winds Captain Bethea as you sail your celestial seas.
Gayle and family my sincere condolences and prayers. I will miss Dallas at our class reunions (1962). We use have a great time when he would come to our reunions . Markele Foley Machado
. Markele Foley Machado
Gayle, I’m so sorry. Dallas was a great guy and a good friend. Destroyer School was bearable in no small part to his humor and decency.
Mr. Bethea was my Ops Boss on the Leahy. He was a great officer and one I trusted. One of his skills was to know how to use his men to get the best team effort in whatever evolution the ship was in. In conversations with him I nearly decided to become a true lifer. He smiled a lot and was a friend to at least one sailor. RIP, sir.
Tom Marfiak
Rear Admiral, USN Ret.
Our deepest sympathies to the Bethea family. Karen and Philip Bodenhorn
It is with great sadness that I am writing this today. I just learned on the Internet of Dallas’s passing. I know how loved and special he was to those who knew him. I think you know how special he was to me. I loved him like a father. Dallas was my mentor during my Navy career and even my civilian career. He was my “Go-to” guy when I needed advice. I don’t have to tell you what an amazing man he was. And he could always make me laugh.
I’m sorry I can’t be there for the memorial service tomorrow. I firmly believe Dallas is in heaven. I’m sure he was greeted by his mom and dad immediately. I would not be surprised if my daughter Jeananne was also there to greet him with open arms. She also loved Dallas very much.
Shelley and I are going to miss him very much.
We love you and will be praying for you. Dallas is in a better place now. I’m sure he is happy and maybe even playing baseball!
I’m saddened to learn Dallas is gone, and it’s too late for another story, another flash of that grin. I felt privileged to know him, and it is an honor to recognize his professionalism. We crossed paths on many occasions. Fair winds, following seas, shipmate,
Between the USS Gary and the USS Cowpens so many awesome memories and Im the dependent! Mr D there isnt a person to have met u that doesnt love you. You are a gigantic part of my hubs career and why he was all for the crew! You are and will be missed. My dad would love to share stories with u, look him up! 💖💖 We love ya Frank and Bubble Gum!
On behalf of the USS Cowpens (CVL25 & CG63) Veterans Association, we would like to express our deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one, and our shipmate. At the USS Cowpens Reunion over Father’s Day weekend in Cowpens, South Carolina, your loved one will be remembered at our memorial ceremony of shipmates lost during the past year. Your family and friends have an open invitation to attend each reunion. Further information may be obtained by e-mailing the reunion secretary at maxbarker3028@gmail.com.Sincerely,Max Barker-Reunion Secretary.
My sincerest condolences to you on your husband/father’s passing I had the pleasure of meeting him when I worked as Executive Assistant to the Director in the Department at Surface Warfare Officers’ School Command. Though we never worked together, I did consider us “friends”. A true gentleman and from what I heard over the years, a Fine Naval Officer. Fair Winds my friend.
A little story about my skipper ,
I’ve mentioned these things to Dallas many times over the years following my time in the navy that he made me the person I am today due to his attitude during deployment on the GARY, a lot of us left as young men on that deployment to the gulf, during operation praying mantis a lot of us became men , I believe that was possible due to captain bethea , he made it possible for us to laugh, cry, yell, and build un breakable bonds between shipmates that would have never formed if it weren’t for his leadership ,
You will be missed skipper ,
We’ve got the watch now ,
Fair winds and following seas ,
You impacted my life in a very real way.
Well done good and faithful servant.
STG2 Thoesen, USS Cowpens 92-96