Gene Belcher

North Carolina - Dorcy “Gene” Belcher of Moyock, NC passed away Saturday at age 82 as he prepared to go play golf. He was quite surprised and disappointed. He felt that his putting was improving and that he would once again be playing in the “low-70's”.

Gene was a man of many talents and interests. In addition to being an accomplished golfer and fisherman, he was a master watchmaker, entrepreneur, civil servant, business owner, inventor, an expert in aviation electronics, a teacher of many things (golf, electronics, math, and life) and committed to almost completing an endless array of projects at “The Cottage”. He was a life-long learner and leaves an unpublished theory of “Dark Matter and Energy”.

Born in Grundy, VA to Claude and Opal Belcher, at age 8 he moved with the family to Norfolk, VA. He graduated from Maury High School where he excelled at baseball, and was drafted by the NY Yankees and then the US Army. After his military service, he was accepted into the apprentice program at NAS Norfolk. He retired from NAS having worked as a technician, instructor, supervisor and engineer. He then worked for AIRINC and TG Bauer.

He loved golf, but loved spending time with his family and friends even more. He was happiest when he could combine all three, and often did at “the blue-collar country club”, Lake Wright Golf Course. He was a regular with the “Blitz” for 40 years and his children and grandchildren were always welcomed by the boys there.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Celeste Hensley Belcher, his sons David, his wife Carrie; Andy, his wife Marsha; his daughters Patti Anctil, her partner Kelly Parr; Carol Sage, her husband Mike; grandson Tom Anctil, his partner Claire Keys; grandson Michael Sage; the apples of “GG’s” eye, his great-grandchildren Nathan and Brandon Anctil; his sister, Geneva Hines and her sons Mike and Chris Bougades.

Devotion to his family guided and defined his life and his lasting gift to us.

A celebration of life service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2014 at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Crawford Township Volunteer Fire Department. You may offer condolences to the family at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.