William Michael "Mike" Bethards, age 71, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2023.  He was born May 26, 1952 in Ft. Knox, Kentucky.  Mike was a U. S. Navy Veteran, a teacher/coach, a member of the First United Methodist Church, and a simple man who loved all.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John W. Bethards & Martha Williams Bethards and paternal grandparents, William Henry Bethards & Mary Susie Bethards.

Mike is survived by his wife, Lois Bethards; two daughters, Jennifer A. Bethards (Stephiane Stovall) and Lisa Marie Bethards Pichilla (Alex Pichilla), two brothers, Gene and Kenny Bethards; and three grandchildren, Lane, Leo, and Rainey.

Mike, also known by many as "Coach Pappy", was stationed at US Naval Hospital and FMF Dispensary Camp Pendleton, CA; Naval Dispensary, MCAS El Toro, CA; SAR, NAS Lemore, CA; and Aviation Physiology Unit, NAS Pensacola, FL.  He volunteered as a youth football coach at Bellview Youth Association in Pensacola, FL while attending the University of West Florida for a degree in Physical Education & Science.

Upon graduation he returned to Benton, AR to teach & coach but wasn't able to find a teaching job.  So, he worked at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Service) in Little Rock until he could find a job as teacher & coach.  Mike was also a volunteer football coach for the Future Panthers in Benton, AR.  He was so proud of the cardinals that he coached over the years.  Mike also volunteered as a softball coach for Benton Kiwanis, and to many other sports to list.

He finally began teaching at Mills Middle School as a basketball coach; he then moved to Robinson Middle School as a basketball coach; then to Maumelle High as a science teacher.  Upon retirement from teaching he volunteered to coach his grandson's Lane and Leo's football & basketball teams.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 27 at Ashby Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 28 at Social Hill Cemetery.