Paul M. BELT Jr.

SMITHFIELD - Paul Morris Belt Jr., 66, passed away on Dec. 24, 2009, at Smithfield Convalescent Center after a difficult battle with a September stroke and its debilitating aftermath.
Hard-headed to the end, Paul fought back with valiant tenacity and his characteristic stubbornness until he could fight no more. And, in the early morning hours of Christmas Eve, he left the months of pain and suffering behind for the welcome relief of grace and peace.
Paul was born on Nov. 25, 1943, in Martinsburg, W.Va. He retired from the Newport News Sheriff's Office after 15 years of service, where he especially loved being Judge Frank's bailiff in Circuit Court. Paul enjoyed the simple things in life: his home, his family, his dogs, his deck, woodworking, building things, HGTV and the Food Channel, taking the dogs to the dump in his red pickup truck. He had a beautiful complexion and great hair and strong hands. He was organized and particular and enjoyed his daily routine. He loved spicy foods that made him sweat, and mushy cards that made him cry. He loved working the polls, greeting the voters, and the extra 'stash' he earned, hidden neatly away in his wallet. He loved his recliner and his remote, Toby Keith and NASCAR, and talking to Janet and Paula every weekend. He liked to tease and pick on people who were always late, but was fiercely protective of his family and his 'girls'. He was always the first to arrive, the first in line to fix his plate, and the first to leave to get back home to his beloved dogs.
Paul was preceded in death by his father, Paul M. Belt Sr.; and his mother, Ruby Mae Bartles Belt. With Anne, he suffered the loss of their beloved dogs, Brandy and Starr, in 2008. We know that he made a stop at Rainbow Bridge to pick up Brandy and Starr on his way to heaven.
To cherish his memory always, Paul leaves behind his family: treasured wife of 18 years, Anne Stancil Belt of Carrollton; beloved daughters, Janet Morgan and Paula Manzie of Newport News; Anne's children, Diane Fulton of Hampton and Todd Hall of Seaford; sisters, Betty Gatewood and Anna Luther; brothers, Bill Belt, Jimmy Belt, and Robert ('Tody') Belt; two grandchildren and seven stepgrandchildren; as well as numerous extended family members, loved ones, dear friends, and devoted neighbors. At the Carrollton home he shared with Anne for 13 years, Paul will be sorely missed by his beloved labs, Roxy, who will wish for his loving hands on her soft brown ears as he sits in his recliner, and Sam, who has adopted his pillow at bedtime in his absence.
Anne and the family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Smithfield Convalescent Center for their compassionate care and concern during Paul's illness.
A celebration of life will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, at Peninsula Funeral Home. Anne's brother, Pastor L.W. ('Bill') Stancil, will lead the service, with the burial to follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Paul's memory and his love of animals with a contribution to the Animal Aid Society in Hampton, the Peninsula SPCA, the Isle of Wight Animal Shelter, Best Friends Animal Society, or your local animal shelter.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.