William "Bill" Bethea's Obituary
William "Bill" Bethea, a devoted family man, decorated Army veteran, and respected leader in the oil and gas industry, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025. He was born on September 28, 1938, in Greenville, Missouri.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Patsy; his children William C. Bethea, Jr., Lorie Anne Bethea Dalton, Michael B. Bethea, Claude W. Bethea, and James C. Bethea; his stepchildren Aleecia L. Milligan and Joseph Rocco Fezio III; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought great joy to his life. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Claudette R. Cordilla Bethea; his parents, Oscar Walter Bethea and Gladys Olene Choate Bethea; and his siblings, Betty Anne Twigg, Theodore W. Bethea, and Oscar W. Bethea, Jr.
A proud graduate of Louisiana State University, Bill earned a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering degree and field he remained passionate about throughout his life. He served honorably with the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army and continued his service in the Army Reserves, ultimately attaining the rank of Major.
Bill began his professional career with the Louisiana Department of Conservation before joining Texaco, where he rose through the ranks to become Operations Manager for the Eastern Hemisphere during a 20-year tenure. He went on to hold leadership roles at Aminoil, Taylor Energy, and W&T Offshore, helping shape each company into a major player in the industry. Later, he co-founded Explore Enterprises and worked in partnership with Woodside Energy to form Woodside Energy USA. In 2007, he founded OTC, guiding it into a leading provider of compliance inspection and digital pressure testing services in the offshore oil and gas sector.
Known for his larger-than-life personality, wit, and leadership, Bill left a profound impact on his colleagues, friends, and the industry he helped build. His legacy lives on in the many people he mentored and inspired.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433. There will be a wake Thursday evening June 5th 2025 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and Friday morning June 6th, 2025 beginning at 9:00 AM with eulogies at 10:45 AM followed by Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church, 66110 Vortisch Road, Lacombe, LA 70445 on Friday at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Our Lady of Fatima Church.
The Bethea family invites friends and loved ones to share memories and condolences online at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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