WILMINGTON — David Alton “Pee Wee” Bellamy, 95, died peacefully at his home Thursday, April 25, 2019. He was born April 1, 1924, in Hickman’s Crossroads, Brunswick County, the son of the late Joseph Burr and Prudence Melissa Brown Bellamy.
David retired from Lee’s LP Gas after 41 years, where he was the service manager. He had proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force and the Fifth Armored Division as an M.P.
Prior to serving, he worked in the shipyard building Liberty ships. He grew up on a farm, where he developed his outstanding common sense. His best quotes are, “don’t drink or smoke,” “it’s not what you make, but how you spend it,” and “treat others the way you want to be treated.” David Bellamy loved life.
David enjoyed bowling in the Wilmington leagues. He was a team captain, served as league president and was successful in the state tournaments. David liked to meet people and tell stories about his youth growing up on the farm, war time experiences and how to live a good life. He had a wise saying for every situation. His favorite Bible quote was, “God is love.”
In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brothers, J. Lloyd, M. Gollie and W. Odell; sisters, Essie Mae Bellamy, Louise Armstrong, Edifell Russ, Myrtle Clark and Margeret F. Bellamy; grandson, H. Wayne Gainous Jr.; and great-grandson, Thomas E. Tufano.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 73 years, Eunice Pridgen Bellamy; and children, David E. (Lee), Alice F. Gainous, Alton R. (Debbie), Eunice R. Smith (Donald) and Joesph A. (Lauren). There are 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. David dearly loved them and was so proud of their accomplishments.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 2, at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral & Cremation Services, 3915 Oleander Drive, Wilmington. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, May 3, at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral & Cremation Chapel. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington, with Pastor Donald Smith Jr. officiating.
Share online condolences with the family at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral & Cremation Service.
