Joe Dick Belk

Joe Dick Belk was born in Carthage, Texas on October 30, 1945, and went to his heavenly home on March 26, 2024, at his home in Fairhope, Alabama.

Joe was the second of ten children.  Most of his life was spent in Shreveport, LA.  His first job was at Cotton’s Grocery at the age of twelve and he worked many summers there.  His dad was the market manager.  His dad later bought a store and he and his siblings worked at the store throughout the years.

Joe graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1964.  He went on to graduate from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute (Louisiana Tech) in 1968 with a degree in marketing.  He joined the Marine Corps and went to Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.  After basic training he reported to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina as a training officer.  His next orders sent him to Vietnam where he led a platoon and made use of his leadership skills.  He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant during his time there.  The exposure to agent orange during his time in Vietnam led to his illness later in life.  He had many stories to tell and many of you have heard them.  He was a true patriot and loved his country.

After his honorable discharge from USMC in 1972, Joe worked in the meat packing industry before working with rental equipment and sales.  In 1996 he took a job in Monroe, LA where he met his wife, Susan.  They met at Mulhearn’s car wash on Louisville Avenue.  They were married in January 1999.

He retired in 2015 and he and Susan and their golden retriever Allie moved to Gulf Shores, AL.   They loved the area and ended up finding a lot in Fairhope AL and built a home.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Frank, and Lavella Madden Belk

Joe is survived by his wife of 25 years, Susan, daughter, Tracy (Eric) Smith, grandchildren, Devin Petite, Connor Smith, and Rylee Smith.  Brothers and Sisters, Laurrel (Gaddis) Oliver, Ricky (Phyllis) Belk, Mike (Norma) Belk, Pam (Bruce) Nelson, Pat Smith, Charles (Phyllis) Belk, Jeff Belk, Jeannie (James) Flores, and Jerry (Debra) Belk.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Fairhope, from 12:00 until 1:00pm. Graveside service will follow at 2:00pm at the Alabama State Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Spanish Fort.

Thank you to the caregivers, Tracey, Alexis, Breanna, and Deirdre and to Tammie and the staff at Gentiva for helping with Joe’s care.  Joe’s faith was strong, and he valued all the prayers.

Rest my love until we meet again.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

WOLFE-BAYVIEW

FUNERAL HOMES

& CREMATORY, INC.

19698 GREENO RD.

FAIRHOPE, AL

(251) 990.7775