J. Richard Belcher

J. Richard Belcher, born January 30, 1940, in Rome, GA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

He was the son of the late Johnnie and Thelma Belcher. Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice Boyd Belcher, who passed just a few short months ago on June 26, and by his cherished brother, Ronald Allen Belcher.

Richard is survived by his loving daughters, Eugenia Leigh Belcher (Debbie Daniel) and Julia Allen Belcher Clark (Kristi); granddaughter, Larissa Julia Flores (Misha); nieces, Courtney Belcher Pate (Kevin) and Christy Belcher; nephews, Bart and Duff Boyd; great-nephew, Conlan Belcher; and many maternal Allen cousins.

Richard graduated from Cartersville High School in 1958 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from his beloved Georgia Tech in 1963. He began his career in engineering, working on the first Lockheed C-5A.

Richard's entrepreneurial spirit was evident from an early age. At just seven years old, he sold rabbit hides to a rolling store. With the money, he bought a dairy cow and began delivering milk products before school. By age 10, using his hard-earned "milk money," he rented an acre from one of his Allen uncles. Two years later, after harvesting enough cotton, he purchased a non-working Model T, which he repaired himself-all before the age of 12. For Richard, if there was a will, there was always a way.

After several years working "regular" jobs-which he never truly enjoyed-Richard returned to his entrepreneurial roots by founding Earth Care Landscaping, a commercial landscape company. What began with a small four-cylinder Isuzu Pup truck that could barely haul weight grew steadily into a thriving second-generation family business.

Beyond his career, Richard had a lifelong passion for adventure. With Janice by his side, he traveled the world, visiting Hawaii, Russia, China, Australia, and Europe. He also discovered a love of boating and purchased his beloved boat, Scirocco. Together, they cruised the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, countless rivers and canals, and the U.S. Intracoastal Waterway. Richard and Janice cherished their time between Edisto Island, SC; Cape Coral, FL; and their lake home on Lake Lanier, GA.

Adventurers at heart, Richard and Janice were often described as gypsies, enjoying their homes and exploring the world alongside their dear friends, affectionately known as the "Grady Girls," and their spouses.

Richard will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud Georgia Tech graduate, successful businessman, jokester, and adventurer who embraced life fully and joyfully.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 14, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, GA. On Monday, September 15, the family will host a luncheon/visitation serving Richard's favorite food, The Varsity, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Owen Funeral Home, immediately followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at White Cemetery.

Owen Funeral Home. Cartersville, GA 770-382-3030. OwenFunerals.com