William Spader Belcher

William Spader Belcher, 90, of Lynchburg, Virginia died Saturday, December 7th, 2024 after a brief illness. He was the loving husband of Ruth Elaine for 62 years. He is survived by Ruth, his daughter Kim Belcher, his daughter and son-in-law Deb and John Serio, and his beloved granddaughters, Natalie and Kelly Serio. 

For the last two years, Bill and Ruth resided at Bentley Commons. Bill enjoyed many friendships of both staff and residents there. 

Bill was born in Inwood, New York to Clara and James Belcher during the height of the Great Depression. He was a gifted baseball player and pitched for Lawrence High School. When he wasn’t on the diamond, he was on the stage. He loved to sing and his beautiful voice wowed the crowds at high school musicals. 

After high school, he attended Hofstra College (now University) and received a Bachelor’s degree in business. After college, he served in the Army and was stationed in Chicago during the Korean War. He loved to tell stories of his time in Chicago. 

After his discharge, he joined the New York Stock Exchange and traveled the country selling seats. He married Ruth in 1962 and they lived in Brooklyn for several years. They enjoyed lobster tail dinners on Friday nights and they loved coming home to their little apartment by the Verrazzano[DS1] Bridge. 

After they adopted Deb and Kim, they moved to Baldwin, Long Island where they lived for 30 years. Bill was very active at their church, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and sang in the choir. He was most proud of his involvement in the funding of a Nicholson organ for the church sanctuary. Bill and Ruth loved entertaining friends and having parties at their Baldwin home. 

One of his favorite places to visit was Windham, New York, the home of his cherished brother-in-law Ron Nilsen, and partner, Ben Biro. Ron and Ben had a sanctuary tucked into the mountain that Bill loved to enjoy. Some of his favorite memories were of his sipping Manhattans (his signature drink) by the fire with his dear family and listening to music as the snow fell outside.

Bill retired as Vice President of the New York Stock Exchange after 35 years. He then traveled with Ruth, played tennis, and enjoyed friends and family. Bill and Ruth moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida to be near his New York Mets and loved life at PGA Village. They moved to Forest, Virginia in 2008 after Bill had some health issues so they could be closer to family. 

He and Ruth joined Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Although he didn’t join the choir because walking had become a challenge, as his pew neighbors knew, he still had his lovely voice and was a joy to sit near. Pastor Dennis Roberts and Bill’s Holy Trinity family cared for Bill throughout his recent illnesses. Our family is so grateful for their help and guidance.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1000 Langhorne Road, Lynchburg Virginia 24503 (www.holytrinitylutheran.org) in memory of Bill Belcher. The service and columbarium inurnment will be held on January 4, 2025 at 11:00 am. 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.