DR. IRVING BELZ

IRVING BELZ Obituary

Dr. Irving Belz of Houston, Texas, formerly of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, the 10th of January 2015, after a long battle with lung disease. Dr. Belz was born in Chicago, Illinois to Rose and Jacob Belz the 3rd of August 1937. In 1946, the family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, the former home of Irving’s father, Jacob, so that his father and uncles could work together at the Sam Belz Upholstered Products Company, a furniture factory. Irving was a proud product of the Memphis City School System, attending Bethel Grove, Fairview, Snowden and graduating from Central High School. While at Snowden Junior High School, Irving brought great pride to not only his family but the whole City of Memphis, becoming in May of 1951, the first Memphian to win the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee. After graduation from Central High School, Irving attended Tulane University and then graduated from Southwestern (Rhodes) College in Memphis. Irving became a doctor, graduating from the University Of Tennessee Medical School in 1961. After graduation Dr. Belz served in the United States Army Medical Corps, obtaining the rank of Captain. Upon completion of an internship at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago and a Psychiatric residency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dr. Belz joined a fellow graduate and friend, Dr. Jules Bohnn in a private practice in Houston, Texas. Because of his desire to help the underprivileged, Dr. Belz left private practice to become the Medical Director of the Harris County MHMR Authority. The face of mental health services for jails began to change as Dr. Belz instituted reforms that would result in a new county jail with a separate floor for the mental health population. Also during his tenure as director, federal grants were obtained to establish Pyramid House, the first club house model in Texas. Dr. Belz’s work designing and constructing, along with a team of professionals, the Harris County Mental Health Hospital was perhaps his greatest contribution to the community. Having completed his work in Houston, Dr. Belz moved to Dallas as Medical Director for Dallas County MHMR. His next move was to Tri-Counties Mental Health in Conroe and then to retirement where he continued working two to three days a weeks, even while on oxygen, for Gulf Coast Mental Health in Alvin. Along the way, he married his life partner, Dorla Whitman, who mourns him today and forever. Dr. Belz was predeceased by his parents, Rose and Jacob J. Belz; and his son, Jason Belz. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorla Belz; brother and sister-in-law, Saul and Betsy Belz and his many loving cousins in Memphis; stepchildren Deborah Cowger, Brandon Whitman, Mitchell Whitman and their families. Funeral services were private according to Dr. Belz’s wishes. A contribution in his honor may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or to your local mental health authority. Geo H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors 1010 Bering Drive Houston, Texas 77057 713-789-3005

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Published by The Commercial Appeal on Jan. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for IRVING BELZ

7 Entries

Roy Dean Moore

November 9, 2020

Was so honored to have worked with Dr. Belz during his time at MHMRA. Was thinking of him and just found today-Nov 9, 2020--that he has passed. My belated condolences to Dorla. Roy Moore 832-978-4828

John Lifflander

August 30, 2015

I was saddened to find out that Irving had died - just found out today, August 30, 2015 - I had not heard prior to this. I knew Irving for over 40 years and will deeply miss him. He was a true friend and we always enjoyed each other's company. He was also a doctor who deeply cared about his patients. My sympathy to Dorla in this difficult time.

February 23, 2015

Iam so very sorry that our great friend is no longer with us. It seems only a few years ago, I saw him with a man who was very distraught and by the time they had walked to the end of the hall he had gently calmed and said all the right words to sooth that man's unbrideled spirit. In Texas we would liken him to the "cowboy whisperer." Thanks to Memphis who sent him our way. Better yet, thanks to God for such a gifted man. My deepest sympathy to the family. - De Lois Wimmer

Lisa Odom

January 26, 2015

Dr Belz will be greatly missed by his Gulf Coast Center family ..it was such a pleasure to work with him. He was so very caring to everyone he met..
Prayers to the family..May God embrace His love upon you and give you strength during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Lisa

Mary Gail Doddridge

January 26, 2015

My deepest sympathy to you Dorla. I worked with Irv many years at Tri-County and learned a lot from him. He did always put the needs of our folks with mental illness first, and tried to find ways to improve systems and the care for individuals and for all of those with serious mental illness. He was also a very fun man to be around. I was working a crossword puzzle last week and thought of him! A not so fun, but unforgetable memory is of riding in the back seat of his car on S. Padre in a big storm, when the back window had blown out and he could hardly see to drive. I am still not sure how we made it back to the hotel that night! That was a Community Center conference to remember!

I know you will miss him greatly, and I pray for peace and comfort for you. His legacy will touch the lives of many for years to come.

Carolyn Taylor

January 26, 2015

Dear Dorla,
My prayers to you and the family during this time. I have many fond memories of you and Irv at MHMRA. May the long life together easy your pain.

Debby Kittredge

January 26, 2015

Am so sorry to hear about Dr. Belz, I was fortunate enough to have worked with him for a few years in Alvin and he is greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family, he was a wonderful and kind man. RIP Dr. Belz!

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