Thomas Lee Betterton, III

Thomas Lee Betterton, III—known to many as Lee— departed this world at home in Daphne, Alabama, on July 30, 2026, after a lengthy illness. Born on December 23, 1948, in Huntington, West Virginia, Lee was a beloved son, brother, friend, colleague, and a man whose passions wove a rich tapestry through every year of his seventy-seven remarkable years.

He graduated from Fairhope High School in 1968 and attended the University of South Alabama. 

Lee's journey was marked by his tremendous zest for both work and life. For twenty-five years, he proudly served as a sales representative with Solo Cup, where his effortless warmth and dedication saw him named National Salesman of the Year—a testament to his work ethic and ability to connect meaningfully with all those he met. Never content to rest on his laurels, Lee charted a new path after his longstanding tenure, training as a commercial truck driver and embracing the call of the open road. Mile after mile, Lee continued to meet new people and see the beauty of the country from behind the wheel, driving long distances until just last year.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, music was always the steady heartbeat of Lee’s life. During the vibrant 1960s, he played in several popular local bands, including The Blazers and The Bankhead Tunnel, lighting up stages and hearts across the region. His love for music was unwavering: Lee went on to perform alongside Carolina musicians in Charlotte, North Carolina, and in recent years, he formed The Memorys, bringing together old friends and new listeners alike. With every performance, Lee shared not just notes and lyrics, but the joy and camaraderie that carries through a lifetime of melody.

Lee was a dedicated Mason and Shriner. He was a member of the James K. Polk lodge #759 in Pineville, NC, where he was honored as Mason of the Year in 1991 and served as a Master in 1994. He was also a member of the Oasis Shriners (Charlotte, NC) and past Captain of the Oasis Steel Drum Band. Lee was also a member of the BPOE Elks Lodge #2127, Homer, Alaska.

But above all, Lee’s greatest source of pride and joy was his late wife, Teri. They married in 1975, and theirs was a love story that endured all joys and sorrows.  When Teri was taken by cancer in 1998, Lee never remarried but honored her memory each year by celebrating their anniversary on August 7th—a date that will now be treasured anew as, at last, Lee rejoins Teri in Heaven.

He was preceded in death besides his wife, Teri Collins Betterton, by his father, Thomas Betterton, Sr., mother Dreama Surbaugh Betterton and brother, Ray Betterton. 

Lee’s life is lovingly remembered by his sister, Jandre O'Keef of Tega Cay, SC, Step Daughter Tiffany Whitson Shenoy of Grayson, GA and Sister In Law Brenda Betterton of Charleston, SC - all who survive him, and by the many nieces and nephews and friends whose lives he brightened with his kindness, humor, and unwavering loyalty.

Family and friends will gather to honor Lee’s memory and celebrate the life he lived. Further details of services will be shared in time.

Though Lee is gone, the resonance of his music, the stories of his roads traveled, and the enduring example of his love remain. His journey continues now on sunlit paths beyond our sight—reunited with Teri, and playing once more the melody of a well lived life.

In Lee's memory donations can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or at donorrelations@shrinenet.org.