J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Belcher, Robert A.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Robert Alvin “Bookie” Belcher, 81, of Petersburg passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at MCV Hospital in Richmond. He was the son of the late Robert Wesley Belcher and Bessie Lavenstein Belcher. He was a member of the Cavalier Athletic Club, Warwick Hunt Club, the Dixie Bowman Archery Club, Dinwiddie Diamonds, Golden Olympians, and was a Hall of Fame USSA Umpire. He retired from Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company after 39 years of service. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret Harvanek Belcher; daughter, Patti Belcher Williams and her fiancé, Thomas Edwards; son Robert Wesley Belcher and his wife, Julie Adams Belcher; grandchildren, Andrew Griffith Williams and his wife, Agnes, Mark Wesley Belcher, and Adam Joseph Belcher; great grandchildren, Drew Williams and James Williams; sisters, Rita Fowler, and Donna Belcher; brothers, Larry Belcher and Monty Belcher and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. The family will receive friends at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 from 6 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Southlawn Memorial Park in the Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dinwiddie Rescue Squad or the Dinwiddie Diamonds. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

Dear Margaret,
Just wanted you to know that I am in Norfolk working for several months and was unable to attend the funeral. Duke and I always enjoyed being with Bookie and you whenever we could. He is one of the few men I let hug my wife! He was a man with a great love for his Cavalier and ball
playing friends. His legacy will live on with all who knew and loved him. May God bless you!
Bobby and Duke Cheely

Posted by: Bobby Cheely at July 15, 2009 04:52 PM

Margie,

I was so sorry to hear about Bookie. He was loved and respected by so many and will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. My heart goes out to you and all your family.

Elva Clarke-Thompson

Posted by: Elva Thompson at July 15, 2009 10:45 AM

I had the pleasure of knowing Bookie Belcher all my life. I can remember way back when Bookie played for the Battersea Baseball Team at the old Mock Orange Field along with my older brother Robert "Shakey" Davis. I have many photographs of my old neighborhood Battersea. You will find Bookie in all of my Battersea and Cavalier Baseball Team group pictures. Bookie made many friends in his life and I'm one friend that will always cherish his memory. God Bless You Robert "Bookie" Belcher you will be missed by many. Sincerely, Russell "Butch" Davis - Disputanta Virginia

Posted by: Russell "Butch" Davis at July 15, 2009 03:52 AM

Margie,Rita,Donna,Larry and Monty We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Bookie. We know for a fact that he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all the Belchers that touched our lives. Our Deepest Sympathy and Love to All. Lisa, Katie,and Alex

Posted by: Lisa C. Adkins at July 14, 2009 09:35 PM

Patti, I know you are sad, but be assured that your Dad is in a wonderful place, probably umpiring a game. Smile whenever you think of him.

Too many years have passed, but I still think of you as you were when we were in High School together.

Take care. Love, Anna Diehl

Posted by: Anna Diehl Davis at July 14, 2009 08:44 AM

We are so very sorry to hear of your great loss. We will pray for the Belcher family, and all those that suffer sadness at this most difficult time.
May God give you rest in the night, strength in the day, and peace throughout... In Jesus' name, Amen.

Chaplain Clark, Royal Ranger Outpost 160

Posted by: Rev. Shaun Clark at July 13, 2009 09:49 PM

AUNT MARGIE PATTIE ROBERT SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT UNCLE BOOKIE I LOVED HIM VERY MUCH HE ALWAYS TREATED ME VERY WELL AND I HAD NOTHING BUT LOVE AND RESPECT FOR HIM I KNOW HOW MUCH HE LOVED MY DAD AND I KNOW HE DID ALOT FOR OR FAMILY

Posted by: EARL BELCHER at July 13, 2009 09:44 PM

Margie,
I am very sorry for your loss. Bookie was a man of honor, and great integrity. He will be missed by all and if you ever need anything, I am here.
God Bless,

Larry Jr.

Posted by: Larry Clarke Jr. at July 13, 2009 08:43 PM

I didn't know Mr. Belcher-- but I graduated from DCHS with Patti.

My heart goes out to the family. I lost my mom several years ago and my dad back in 1976.

Patti-- would love to catch up some time.... I'm so sorry for your loss... Cherish your time with your mom.

Posted by: Bonnie Woodall Strawser at July 13, 2009 07:26 PM

Patty,

I am so sorry to read about your dad. I remember the time he danced with me and flipped me over his back. He was used to flipping YOU! It was great fun for me though.

Irving and I send our deepest sympathy.

With love,
Doris (Leonard Pritchett)

Posted by: Doris Leonard Pritchett at July 13, 2009 06:43 PM

Our deepest condolences to the family. We’re so sorry to hear the news. I’ll never forget the time he volunteered to tell a joke during a church service. Robert was sweating bullets! He was a funny man and will be greatly missed.
Prayerfully,
Mark and Ramona
Lynchburg, VA

Posted by: Mark & Ramona Myers at July 13, 2009 04:06 PM

Very sorry to here about Bookie. Just seams like yesterday, watching the Cavaliers playing baseball at McKenzie Street Ballpark. My prayers are with you all.....klb

Posted by: keith barker at July 13, 2009 09:27 AM

Margie,Patti and Robert,
I was so shocked when Mom called me. Bookie was a great Uncle. He was always there to lend a helping hand. My deepest sympathy.

Cathy Mclean & Eric Daniels

Posted by: Cathy Mclean at July 13, 2009 08:51 AM