Ronald Augustus Belcher

Ronald Augustus Belcher, age 86, passed away in the tender care of Community Hospice Alice & T. O'Neal Douglas Center for caring located in Jacksonville, Florida on March 4, 2026. Ronald was born in Flint, Michigan on June 10, 1939, to the late Esther Violet Gingery and Augustus Belcher. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 39 years Crezette Elaine (Allen) Belcher, his two siblings Carol Gingery & Jaqueline (Jackie) Belcher, and Stepfather Henry (Gary) Gingery.

Ronald graduated in 1959 from Wilbur Right High School in Detroit, Michigan. He began his career journey by attending the Illinois Institute of Technology in Detroit in 1962 which led him to enlisted in the United States Navy, exceling in engineering department. As he completed his four-year tour as an electrician, his hard work and dedication to his career led him to continue in the mechanical industry by joining semi- trucking engineering field at Internation Harvester, later known International. Advancing in the industry Ronald became a United States Merchant Mariner as he joined both the National Maritime Union and Seafarers Internation Union. As a merchant mariner, he elevated to Chief Electrician traveling throughout all seven continents for over 30 years, training and educating younger sailors throughout the years. During his early years he lived in Oakland, California. Ronald also gave back to community as a Mason dedicated to self-improvement, moral development, brotherhood and charity.

As his sailing career led him to the port of Charleston, South Carolina during one of his tours, he met a woman with a smile so beautiful that she captured his heart Crezette Elaine Allen. They began dating; he fell in love not only with his wife & her two daughters. They were joined in holy matrimony union in marriage on August 19, 1987, Charleston, South Carolina. Together they raised their adorable daughters Lashawn & April.

The family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida in 1995. As Ronald aged, he referred to himself as a," Salty Sailor," with a hilarious character. As he continued as a chief merchant for several more years until his retirement. He values sharing his worldly knowledge with his family and friends. Ronald loved discussing sea life with his daughter Lashawn & son-in-law Earl, due to them both being merchant mariners. He enjoyed his daughter April sense of humor as he saw his adult children persuade their dreams. As time moved on Ronald enjoyed becoming a grandfather welcoming his three grandchildren Anthony, Elaina and Angel, he embraced the role as grandfather with love and firmness as he taught them resilience and instill in stride in life. His grandson Anthony was the little boy he always wanted to enhance his playful energetic nature as kid encouraging him to take chances during playtime when grandma was not looking. Ronald was blessed to see his grandson grow and flourish into a young man beginning his college education shining with pride at his grandson accomplishment. During his retirement years his late wife and him raised both granddaughters Elaina and Angel instilling them both to become independent young ladies. One of his last wishes to his youngest granddaughter Angel was to obtain her high school diploma and continue working towards her goals.

Ronald Augustus Belcher is survived by his brother Gary (Batume) Gringery, daughters Lashawn Monique (Allen) Shakes & April Nicole Allen, son-in-law Earl A. Shakes, grandson Anthony Earl Shakes, and granddaughters Elaina C. Allen, and Angel S. Allen.

A Sailor's Prayer

Dear Lord, I'm just a sailor. A protector of our land. A servant called to battle. When my country takes a stand. I pray for strength and courage. And a heart that will forgive for peace and understanding. In a world for all to live. My family's prayers are with me. No matter where I roam. God has finally call me home. Amen