Cleveland "Carl" Bethune

Mr. Cleveland Carl Bethune (72) went home to be with Jesus on December 31, 2024, at Piedmont Atlanta, surrounded by his beloved family and friends. Born in Augusta, GA, he was the son of the late Cleveland Ward Bethune and Peggy King Bethune. 

Carl graduated from Butler High School in 1970, where he forged lifelong friendships with his childhood friends. Carl chose a career in education spanning 32 years. He graduated from Georgia Southern College in 1975 and began his teaching career in Glascock County, GA where he taught Mathematics and Physical Education and coached women’s basketball. It was here that he met the love of his life, Charlotte Milburn Bethune. Carl and Charlotte married on June 6, 1981. Carl furthered his education at Augusta College, obtaining his Master's and Specialist in Education. He was Director of CSRA RESA and then served as School Superintendent in Jefferson County from 1996 – 2010. In 2009, he received the prestigious Bill Barr Leadership Award, recognizing his outstanding mentorship skills to fellow educators throughout Georgia. Carl’s passion of the Warrior Nation was strong as he continued to support the Jefferson County High School athletic programs for years after retirement. Following his retirement from education, Carl took on a new role as a runner and receptionist at David L. Huguenin Law Firm, where he was known for his warm smile and engaging stories. Carl never met a stranger and never missed an opportunity to spend time with those that he cherished. He served the community for years on the Columbia County Recreational Department Advisory Board and the Columbia County Board of Health. 

Carl’s greatest legacy is the family that he built with Charlotte over their 43 years together. He was the best Dad to his three children and the best Pappy to his nine grandchildren. He is survived by his sons, Cleveland Ashby Bethune (Clare) and Bobby Aaron Bethune (Stacey) and his daughter, Keely Bethune Wilhelm (Casey). His greatest joy was having the entire family gathered for “Home Alone” suppers, surrounded by his beloved grandchildren: Dallas Emily Bethune, Carly Grace Bethune, Avery Mae Bethune, Ryleigh Collins Forester, Charleigh May Forester, Jonathan Cleveland Bethune, Samuel Charles Bethune, John Hadden Beckman, and Hampton Casey Wilhelm. Carl dedicated many years to coaching his sons’ baseball teams and also helped coach their Columbia County Patriots travel soccer team. Carl was an avid University of Georgia football fan and spent every Saturday cheering on the Dawgs. 

He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Elsie Hadden Milburn, sister-in-law, Sandra Milburn Woods (David), brother-in-law, Earl Adkisson, cousins Barry Norton (Susan) and Patty Allen (Randy), along with numerous friends and family. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Cleveland Ward Bethune and Peggy King Bethune, his sister Brenda Bethune Adkisson, and his father-in-law Bobby Lloyd Milburn. 

Carl’s strength and resilience in facing multiple medical challenges exemplified his fighting spirit. 

Carl was a member of Pineview Baptist Church and attended Grace Baptist Church in Evans, GA. 

The family will receive family and friends on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm at Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors at 214 Davis Road, Augusta, GA 30907. A graveside service, officiated by Larry Hubbard and Randy Allen will follow at Bellevue Memorial Gardens and Chapel at 4501 Wrightsboro Road, Grovetown, GA 30813. Pallbearers will include “The Guys”: Mr. Barry Norton, Mr. Greg Adkisson, Mr. Robert Harn, Mr. Joey Harris, Dr. Greg Ellison, Mr. Phillip Douglas, Mr. David Huguenin, Mr. Jimmy Fleming, and Mr. Mike Daniel. Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of your choice.