Joseph Boddy Bettner, age 69, a resident of Fairhope, Alabama passed away August 28, 2020. Joseph was a retired HSI Special Agent, rising through his career to Group Supervisor and Resident Agent in Charge. In 1988, Joseph led the U.S. Customs service first-of-its-kind, Undercover Operation, “Operation Skymaster”. Skymaster became what it is today, under the leadership, creativity and dedication of Joseph Bettner. Joseph leaves a legacy as being one of the founding fathers for undercover operations in federal law enforcement. In 2000, Joseph was assigned as the Resident Agent in Charge of Laredo, Texas overseeing a border office in the post 9/11 era. Joseph helped establish the foundation for the expansion of the U.S. Customs Service office in Laredo. In 2004, Joseph transferred close to home and in a new role as the Resident Agent in Charge of Pensacola, Florida until 2006 before coming full circle and coming home to again Supervise the Undercover Operation Skymaster. Joseph retired from HSI Mobile in 2008 with over 25 years of service in federal law enforcement. Joseph continued his law enforcement career by becoming the Director of Methamphetamine Reduction, an initiative for the Mobile County Sheriff’s department and continued in this position, while sitting at the HSI Mobile office, until his passing. Joseph was also a professor of criminal justice at University of South Alabama since 2008 until his passing. Joseph was a friend to all. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel O. and Violet Bettner; son, James Lee; sister, Gloria Halstead; and brother, Charles Bettner. Joseph is survived by his wife, Cynthia Bettner of Fairhope, AL; daughter Amanda (Stephen) Volovecky of Fairhope, AL; son, Joseph Ryan (Kristin) Bettner of Fairhope, AL; sisters, Cathy Gormandy, Claudia Callaway, Dorothy Williamson, Diane Griffin; brothers, Donald Bettner, Freddie Bettner; grandchildren, Katlyn, Bryant, Samuel, Tanner; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends, including Dr. Jason Northcutt, Dr. Parag Mahatekar and Sharon Murphy.
Family will receive visitors at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, 19698 Greeno Road, Fairhope, AL on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 from 5pm to 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Montrose Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Michael Catholic High School Scholarship Fund, In memory of Joseph Bettner, 11732 Dick Higbee Road, Fairhope, AL 36532.
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19698 GREENO RD
FAIRHOPE, AL 36532
(251) 990-7775
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