William H. "Bill" Belle Jr.

6/20/1962 - 9/3/2023

Freeport, Fla. - William H. Belle Jr. (Card) of Freeport, Fla., born June 20, 1962, passed away unexpectedly Sept. 3, 2023. He was 61 years old. He is survived by his mother and sisters and their spouses, wife, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many aunts and uncles. He was born in Meriden, and raised in Ledyard. He enlisted into the United States Marines Corps after graduating from high school. He was proud to serve his country and of his experience on the USMC pistol team.

After serving in the Marines, he was an EMT for Mystic River Ambulance and worked security for Electric Boat. After that job, his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit led him to starting up and partnering in businesses in plumbing, septic and drainage.

For decades, he resided near the shoreline whether it be the emerald coast of Destin, Fla., or the Atlantic Ocean in Narragansett, R.I. Bill always enjoyed the coastal communities. He was a girls softball coach in Ledyard, where he grew up and in Narragansett, R.I., for his daughter Lillie's team. He played in numerous slow pitch softball leagues in Connecticut and Florida for years and loved it. Bill was a natural artist and loved to draw, doodle and paint. He liked to share his work with others. His last works were abstract paintings. Bill enjoyed watching sports especially football and baseball. His enthusiasm for his favorite teams was always in full display at the games in person. He always was a dedicated NY Giants fan and all of us remember those red, white and blue pants he wore every season! He also became a Florida State fan, when he moved to Florida. He loved the Seminoles. He enjoyed going to Fenway to experience the Red Sox games in person. He liked to collect sports memorabilia from his favorite teams and players.

In Bill's memory, think of him when you're cheering for your favorite team, supporting a local artist or doing something to make another laugh.