Gibson "Gippy" Roosevelt Belcher Sr.

Gibson (Gippy) Roosevelt Belcher, 82, died suddenly on February 17, 2018. He was the son of the late Frank and Bertha Belcher of Petersburg, Virginia and survived by his loving and devoted wife of 22 years, Nancy J. Belcher. He also leaves his three children, Mary (A.C) Wells, of South Hill, VA, Gibson, Jr. (Patty) Belcher of Chesterfield County, VA, and Brenda Zafirides (Jim Huff) of Lihue, Hawaii, and stepchildren, Gayle Farris of Thailand and Jay (Joyce) Fariss of Powhatan. He will be greatly missed also by his grandchildren, Jonathan (Kelly) Wells, Chris (Jenny) Wells, Marianne (Chris) Early, Matthew Belcher, Kari (Brantley) Rivers, Emily (Michael) Gillespie, Dominique (Brian) Whittier, Emanuel Zafirides, and stepgrandchild, Kristin (Jamie) Adams. “PaPa” also leaves behind his fifteen great grandchildren who loved him dearly. Gippy was a gifted athlete in his youth and exceled at playing many different sports over the years. He was an extremely hard worker and started his career at Brown and Williamson Tobacco Company, serving 35 years and working his way up to the position of supervisor. He expected much out of the people who worked for him, but nothing more than he expected of himself. He played and co-managed the Brown and Williamson softball team which went on to play in several soft ball world series. His knowledge and skill as a VHSL umpire and referee lead him to be highly sought after for his expertise in these fields. He was inducted into the USSSA Softball Hall of Fame in 2002. Gippy was loved by thousands of players and fans during his career, especially in the 1970 and 1980s where his presence was always respected. He loved football, but Virginia Tech was his favorite. It wasn’t unusual for Gippy to be seen on many Saturdays tailgating in Blacksburg with a hoagie in one hand and a cold beer in the other! He was so proud of his son, Gippy, Jr. for being a member of the Virginia Tech Hokie Football Team for 1975-1978. Gippy loved to dance and socialize with friends at the American Legion, Eagles and Moose Lodge. He was an avid sportsman but fishing was his passion. Upon retirement, Gippy spent most of his time at his second home, fondly known as “the river” in Claremont, VA. The small community of friends soon became extended family as Gippys’ presence was felt by all who lived there. He became the unofficial “Mayor of Claremont”. If you came to the river to visit, you better be ready to fish because that was his passion (regardless if it was yours or not). His knowledge of the James Rivers’ best fishing holes and his ability to skin a catfish was legendary. His goal was to fish every day of the year if possible. His desire to help anyone do or fix anything while there will be greatly missed by all, a tribute to his generous and unselfish nature. Gippy leaves behind many precious friends at Claremont, especially neighbors Amanda and Richard Norris, Earl and Helen Hogarth and best friend and fishing buddy, Pike Harrup. Visitation will be held at 6:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at J. T. Morris and Son, Chester Chapel with a graveside celebration of his life, February 22, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Maury Cemetery, Richmond, VA, The Reverend Dr. Randall T. Hahn officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or donate online at stjude.org. Condolences may also be registered at jtmorriss online.