Jerry Wade Belton's Obituary
Jerry Wade Belton was born on November 1, 1946, in San Francisco, California, where he spent his formative years in the Bayview District. A proud Woodrow Wilson High School graduate, Jerry attended San Francisco City College, where he majored in Music Theory.
Driven by his love for his country, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. His honorable service in Vietnam was a lifelong source of pride he loved sharing with others. Upon his return to the United States, Jerry married Alice Porter Belton. He was employed at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, CA, and later transferred to Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, CA.
After retiring from Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Jerry embarked on a new adventure and moved to Lexington, Kentucky. Fueled by his passion for playing conga drums, he established a non-profit organization that taught boys and girls the art of African drumming. His enthusiasm for sharing the rich history of African culture and the significance of its music with the young minds he taught was very special to him. One of his most cherished memories teaching drumming was when his students were invited to perform several songs for then-Senator Barack Obama at a fundraiser in Lexington, Kentucky. This event was a highlight of his life and brought him immense joy, which he often reminisced about with great pride and fondness.
Jerry moved to Reno, Nevada, where he continued to enjoy his retirement within a loving community. After spending numerous years in Reno, he felt the pull of his favorite place, the Bay Area, calling him back home. His love for the Bay Area was deeply rooted within him; it was a source of joy and a profound comfort. He enjoyed living there until he made his peaceful transition to heaven on July 10, 2024.
Jerry was a fun-loving individual who made friends wherever he went. His charming personality and infectious laugh brought joy and laughter to those around him. He took pride in being a Scorpio, and if you were one, too, you would instantly be cool in his book.
Jerry was many things to many people. To some, he was a “guardian angel”; to his special friends, he was their “buddy.” To his old friends, he was “my partner JB.” To his siblings, he was “my brother;” to his grandchild, he was “grandpa;” to his nieces and nephews, he was “Uncle JB,” and to his children, he was just simply “Dad.” Jerry’s love for his family was unwavering; he cherished every moment spent with them, especially at the family reunions he eagerly planned every year. He loved watching sports, especially his beloved 49ers and Golden State Warriors.
In his final days, Jerry found solace in watching biblical movies such as “The Ten Commandments” and “Ben Hur.” These films inspired him to accept Jesus as his personal Savior. His favorite gospel song was “Falling in Love with Jesus” by Jonathan Butler and Kirk Whalum.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Modenia and Prentice Belton, Sr, brother Robert Earl Belton, sisters Janiese Belton and Louise Belton McPherson, and son Roberto Belton.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his two children, Troy Belton and Pier Belton, both of Hercules, CA, and his granddaughter, Yannay Belton, of Stockton, CA, who is the daughter of his deceased son, Roberto Belton. He is also survived by his two brothers, Prentiss Belton, Jr. of Stockton, CA, and Ralph Belton of Richmond, CA. He also leaves many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many cherished family members and friends who will forever hold his memory dear. Jerry, you will be greatly missed.
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