Raymond Belcher

George Raymond Belcher, 83, of Sciotoville, died Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the SOMC Hospice Center.  Born on May 20, 1932 in Tuttleville, he was a son of the late George and Hazel Oberley Belcher.  He and his late wife, Ferne, were owners and operators of the True Value Hardware and Toy Town in New Boston for 43 years before retiring in 1998.

Ray was a member of Rubyville Community Church where he attended regularly and volunteered each month at Evangelistic Outreach; was a member of Clay Local School Board, Scioto County Educational Service Center and the Scioto County Career Technical Center, all for over 50 years, and was president of the board of SCCTC for many years.  He was a 60 year member of Lucasville Masonic Lodge #465.

Ray and his generous spirit will be greatly missed by his family, friends and especially his church family.  He was hard working, community minded, an exceptional father and grandfather and whole hearted family man.  Above all, Ray was a true man of God.

Also preceding him in death in 2008 was his wife, Ferne Fannin Belcher.  Additionally, sisters Dorothy Buckle and Ada Marie in infancy preceded him.

Surviving are his children, Cheri (Dan) Ashmore, Daryl (Mary) Belcher and Marty Belcher, all of the Portsmouth area; seven grandchildren, Tanya (David) Thoroughman, Eric (Jennifer) Ashmore, Luke Ashmore, Nate (Andrea) Belcher, Hanna Belcher, Laura Belcher and Jamie Belcher, and seven great-grandchildren, Olivia Thoroughman, Simon Thoroughman, Carly Thoroughman, Ethan Ashmore, Emma Ashmore, Wade Bailey and Alexis Belcher; a special friend, Patty Jacobs and a special niece, Terri Chandler.

A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the Rubyville Community Church with Calvin Ray Evans and Brian Baer officiating.  Interment will be in the Memorial Burial Park with Jeffrey Miller officiating.

The family will receive guests in Belcher Hall at S.C.C.T.C. from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and one hour prior to the service at the church. A masonic service will be held at S.C.C.T.C. at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Arrangements are under the direction of the BRANT FUNERAL SERVICE IN SCIOTOVILLE.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Scioto County Career Technical Center Scholarship Fund or SOMC Hospice.