Charles Arthur Bellis Jr.

One of his favorite things was going to the gun range and he was a long-time member and Range Officer at the Lafayette Gun Club. Growing up, he spent countless hours at the movies watching Roy Rogers and other cowboy movies. Through this, he developed his love of Colt firearms and all things Colt related. He spent years wheeling and dealing as he grew his collection. He loved learning and documenting the history and provenance of the first-generation guns in his collection. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing with Sue and their friends, boating and fishing on the bay with his family, traveling and history. He was a devoted Dad and Poppy.

A Lieutenant Colonel, Charles was a proud member of the United States Marine Corps and retired after 26 years of dedicated service to our nation. With the Marines he visited countless countries. He lived in Africa for two and a half years with his family where they had the experiences of a lifetime. He then was employed as a defense contractor working with NATO counterparts all over the world. He also worked for a while in his “kid in a candy store job”, where most days had him on the range testing and designing weapon systems at Quantico, VA. After a successful work life, he retired again after 24 years.

He is survived by his son, Paul; his daughter, Dani Baller (Craig); his grandchildren, Grady and Adriene; and his dog, Butch. His stories and laughter will be missed every day.

Memorial Contributions can be sent to the Lafayette Gun Club (https:// www.lafayettegunclub.org/juniors/).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Bellis family.