Charles Edwin Belcher

Charles Edwin “Charlie” Belcher, 84, of McKinney, Texas, passed away peacefully on the first day of spring, March 21, 2026.

Born in Oxford, North Carolina on February 4, 1942, Charlie grew up on his family’s tobacco farm, working the fields alongside his brother and sister. It was there he learned the values that would define his life—hard work, resilience, and an unwavering love of family. Known for his beautiful Carolina drawl and a smile he had for everyone he met, Charlie never met a stranger.

His love of sports carried him to Catawba College, where he played both football and basketball. Known for his speed and determination, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and once dreamed of becoming a coach.

Life led him instead to a long and distinguished career in the insurance industry, where he was known for his integrity and dependability. Starting in 1964 at Southwestern Life Insurance Company, he worked in sales and marketing. In March of 1968, he transferred to Dallas—a move that would shape the rest of his life. After nearly two decades with Southwestern Life, Charlie joined Sedgwick James of Dallas in 1983 as an employer consultant. There he met his dear friend Joe Beith, where together they formed a lifelong friendship and partnership, creating IMS Benefits. Joe was the best of friends to Charlie until Joe’s passing in 2025.

After selling the agency to Tom George and Libbie Wilmer, he continued to work at the newly formed company GBEW Benefits, along with Jim Taylor. Tom, Libbie and Jim’s friendships, as well as his connection to his customers, kept him working until 2025. Along the way, Charlie earned deep respect in the Dallas professional community, serving as Past President of the Dallas Chapter of the Society of Chartered Life Underwriters and as a Director of the Dallas Estate Planning Council.

Charlie’s commitment to service extended well beyond the office. He was a proud Rotarian for over 30 years, serving with both the Dallas Rotary and McKinney Rotary clubs, where he sponsored many young college students. He also served as President of the North Dallas and Park Cities Kiwanis Club and Past President of the Dallas Founder Lions Club—one of the oldest and most prestigious service chapters in the city. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of McKinney. Those who worked alongside him knew Charlie as a mentor, an advocate for community service, and a man who led by example.

Charlie was an avid sports fan, particularly enjoying the Mavericks and Cowboys, where he was a season ticketholder for over 25 years. Also a passionate fisherman, Charlie spent countless days on Lake Texoma with his good friend and guide, Doug Shaw—who also played a fateful role in introducing Charlie to the love of his life, his wife Helen.

Over the years, Charlie made his home in Dallas and Garland before moving to Touchmark at Emerald Lake, where he and Helen shared a joyful chapter together.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Irene, his sister Jean and nephew Tom Belcher.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen Belcher; his daughter, Stacey; stepdaughters Lisa Barnett and Kendra Lackey; grandchildren Bridget, Jacqueline, and Colette; his brother, James “Sonny” Belcher; niece Valinda Dickerson, nephew James F. "Frank" Belcher; and Stacey’s mother, Betsy Catalano. He leaves behind a wide circle of friends whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

A service will be held at First United Methodist Church of McKinney at 315 N Church St, McKinney, TX 75069 on April 21st, at 1:30 PM. For those not able to attend, please join us virtually at www.sharingtheheart.org/ceremonies

Charlie loved serving his community and actively giving to charities. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of his favorites, Happy Hill Farm, a Christian boarding and day school on a working farm near Granbury, Texas, serving high-potential kids from low-opportunity backgrounds.
happyhillfarm.org