J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Belcher, Cecil, F.

Thursday, December 09, 2004

Cecil Floyd Belcher, 88, of Petersburg died Thursday, December 9, 2004 in Colonial Heights Health Care Center. He was born in Chesterfield and was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander Beverly and Avie O’Kennon Belcher and two brothers, Grayson L. Belcher and W. Deane Belcher. He was a World War II veteran of U. S. Army Air Corps and later retired as a Lt. Col. from U. S. Air Force Reserve. He began his postal career in the mid 1930’s as a special delivery messenger and, with the exception of his World War II military service, he rose through the ranks of the Petersburg Post Office, retiring as Postmaster in 1988 with over 50 years of postal service. He was active in National Association of Postmasters of the United States and had many postal friends through out the state of Virginia. He was past president of the Petersburg Kiwanis Club, member American Legion and Reserve Officers Association and Knights of Pythias. He enjoyed 30 years of traveling with his wife around the world. He is survived by his wife, Antonie (Nina) B. Belcher; daughter, Nina Gilley Thaxter of Sierra Vista, AZ; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 1:30 p.m. at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church with the pastor, Rev. James J. Taylor, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Gill Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Wesy Chappell, 1117 Fort Hayes Dr., Petersburg, VA 23805 or a favorite charity. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

Dear Mrs. Belcher and Nina,
While growing up in Petersburg, I found you both to be persons of character and integrity who always stood up for what you believed; you were kind, unprejudiced, and smart. I am sorry to learn of your loss but, as I have been told recently, grief is the price we pay for love. May you both be well. Karen(Hersh)Dubitsky

Posted by: Karen Hersh Dubitsky at December 18, 2004 01:47 AM

Why do wait for our friends to die before we think about their impact on our lives ?

I was a Postal Examiner when I first met Cecil.
I first noticed his respect for employees. A very kind and caring personality to everyone. All
were equal in his book, be they janitor or Sectional Center Manager. I loved to hear his traveling stories. "Cecil, I thank you for inviting my wife Barbara and I to the picnics at
Brother Holdsworth and get togethers with the 238 Postmasters." I wasn't a Postmaster, but always
friends of Postmasters and concerned about their duties and responsibilities and Cecil helped me see this by his actions.

"Cecil we will miss you and the happiness we shared and I know we'll see you in heaven.

Mike & Barbara

Posted by: Michael J. Pastore at December 15, 2004 08:41 PM

Dear Nina,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. My thoughts are with you, and I am so sorry that I am not able to attend the services. I will remember your family in my prayers. It's been such a long time since we all got together. Take care of each other.
Love, Susan

Posted by: Susan Hoffman Bullard at December 13, 2004 09:36 PM

Hey, Nina. Just wanted to extend my deepest sympathies to you. I know this is a difficult time, but just remember, your old friends have you in their thoughts and prayers. Hopefully, that will make this a little easier. Sorry I can't be there for you, but I will be there in my thoughts. Take care and hope to see you next year at the reunion!!

Love Ya....
Shelby (Floyd)

Posted by: Shelby Floyd Gumpp at December 13, 2004 08:06 PM

My wife and I would like to send our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr.Belcher.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Belcher years ago since our home is across the street from his farm.I(Robert) was his handy man for some time on his farm and I will miss him alot.We would walk through the woods working and talking about anything.He was a good man and we will not forget him.

Posted by: Pat and Robert Spivey at December 13, 2004 07:24 PM

December 13,2004
We would like to offer our condolences to the family of Mr.Belcher. We had the priviledge of meeting him a few years ago. He was the nicest person, not to mention very interesting. He often told us of his travels. It was almost like being there. He was a treasure. He will be greatly missed by us, also. We will keep his family in our prayers. This world has lost a wonderful man but I am sure heaven is shining a lot brighter today because of his presence!
Ben and Nancy Pully

Posted by: Mr.& Mrs. Ben Pully, Sr. at December 13, 2004 06:17 PM