Donald W. Betts

Donald W. Betts, 88, passed away on December 30, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Duncan, Harnett County, North Carolina, on December 9, 1937, and was the beloved son of the late James Leo Betts and Alma Ion Penny Betts.

A native of Harnett County, Donald was well known in the community as a hardworking and accomplished professional known for his honesty, skill, and strong work ethic. In 1964, he joined his parent’s company Blue Gill Tackle Company and in 1971 he changed the company name to Betts Tackle Ltd.

In the late 1960s he helped set up the first fishing tackle factory in Taiwan. He made lures and other products for many US companies. He was invited to the first trade mission in mainland China negotiated by President Nixon. He was a US Army veteran, a Rotarian, a Shriner and Mason. He received a Coastal Conservation Association Lifetime achievement award and the Centurion Award from the Town of Fuquay Varina.

A devoted family man, Donald was a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather. On October 31, 1959, he married the love of his life and best friend, JoAnn Blanchard Betts, spending 66 memorable years together. The thing he was most fond of was his family, his love and commitment to them was something to admire and was reflected in all that he did. He will be missed greatly and will forever be remembered by his family and friends as a man of great determination and strength.

Donald is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn Blanchard Betts; daughters, Joanie Betts Howerton (Wendell), Jennifer Betts Rollins (Alan) and Juli Curry (Don); sisters, Emily Betts Morgan and Penny Betts Stewart (Ken); grandchildren, Tyler Rollins, Zachary Howerton (Morgan), Caitlin Williams (Derek), Samuel Howerton, Haydon Curry (Brooke), Lilee Curry, and Ausley-Claire Curry; great-grandchildren, Tide Williams, Madeline Howerton and Wade Williams and many loving nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved very dearly.

Donald’s legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the many lives he touched through his kindness and generosity. He was a godly man, who loved his church and a faithful member of the Page Sunday School class.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Monday, January 5th, 2026, at Fuquay Varina Baptist Church, 301 N Woodrow Street, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526. The family will receive friends for a period of visitation after the service from 12:00 - 2:00 PM. A committal service will be held after the visitation at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1621 N Broad Street, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald's memory to Fuquay Varina Baptist Church.