Esdras Betancourt

Dr. Esdras Betancourt was born April 21, 1935, in Ponce, Puerto Rico to Reverend Angel and Emma Betancourt. Dr. Betancourt loved boxing and boxed while he was in the Marine Corps. While attending Lee College, Esdras met Mary and they were married April 21, 1961.

Esdras and Mary were then blessed with a son Angelo and daughter, Damaris. Esdras attended New York Theological Seminary obtaining the following degrees: Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Religious Education, Master of Sacred Theology and Doctor of Ministry. 

Dr. Betancourt was a devoted husband and father. He loved to tell jokes and have a good time.  As an author of several books, he included a couple of joke books as he believed laughter was healing.  He did not lose his sense of humor even at the end of his life as he journey took him through the difficult road of dialysis.  Even while ill, he found ways to make it to the golf course with his friend and pastor, Buenaventura Jessurum. He never hesitated to help someone in need. He was a man of prayer who loved God.  

Dr. Betancourt worked the entirety of is life for the Church of God. He taught at the International Bible Seminary in Switzerland and served as the Director of Youth and Christian Education for the Eastern Spanish Division. He also served in the following areas: Dean of Hispanic Students at New York Theological Seminary, President of the Spanish Institute of Ministry, Academic Dean at West Coast Christian College, Spanish District Overseer for the Western Spanish Territory, the Hispanic and MIP Program Coordinator and then became the Director of the Department of Hispanic Ministries of the Church of God. He travelled to and taught in almost all Latin American countries.  

Together, Esdras and Mary pastored several churches over the years including planting and pastoring a church in Ooltewah, TN following their retirement. Dr. Betancourt was a member of that church, Iglesia de Dios Punto Redención, until his death. Dr. Betancourt served on many boards throughout his lifetime. He was committed to ensuring people, especially the Hispanic community were educated and equipped to understand and share the gospel.  Dr. Betancourt was the essence of servant leadership and throughout his ministry he made significant contributions to Hispanic Ministries.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Angel and Emma Betancourt, his brothers Benjamin Betancourt and Jose Betancourt. His beloved wife Mary went to be with the Lord, January 16, 2020. Dr. Esdras Betancourt passed away on November 14, 2022 in his home. He leaves behind the legacy of his children, Angelo Betancourt (his wife Priscilla), Damaris Betancourt, his siblings Eliezer Betancourt and Damaris Betancourt as well as many extended family members, nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. 

The family will receive friends 4-6 PM on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Fike Randolph & Son Funeral Home, 2415 N. Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN. and on Friday at International Worship Center 5-6 PM, 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311. 

A celebration of life will be held 6 PM on Friday November 18, 2022 at International Worship Center.

Interment will be alongside his wife and family at 2 PM CST on Saturday November 19, 2022 in Forest Cemetery, 700 S. n15th ST, Gadsden, AL 35901.

Visit www.fikefh.com to see the video tribute and to share memories and condolences.

Arrangements entrusted to Fike Randolph & Son Funeral Home.