Belcher, Buford Blackburg

Buford Blackburn Belcher “Boots”, 80 of Pearisburg, VA departed this life Sunday, May 16, 2021 after a short illness. Born April 24, 1941, in West Virginia, he was a son of the late Howard and Lucille Thomas Belcher.

Boots dedicated his life to the service of his country and community. Boots served his country first in the Army. Later, he would be a law enforcement officer with the US Forestry Service; a founding and Life member of Newport Volunteer Rescue Squad, a Life member of both Giles Life Saving and Volunteer Rescue Squad, and Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squad. He practiced his faith at Rich Creek United Methodist Church.

Boots is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia Turner Belcher; and brother, Charles Belcher.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Baxter (Steve) of Radford, VA; grandson, Ryan Baxter; a sister Annell Nagy of Sebring, FL; a niece, Kelly Duncan McElory; nephews, Michael Duncan, and Kirk Duncan; five great nieces and nephews; four great-great nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

There will be a funeral service held Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Kendall Funeral Home Chapel in Pembroke, Virginia with Pastor Aubrey Whitlow officiating. A graveside service will follow at Birchlawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends in the Kendall Funeral Home Chapel Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Boots’ memory to Newport Volunteer Rescue Squad (418 Bluegrass Trail Road Newport, VA 24128); Giles Lifesaving and Volunteer Rescue Squad (175 Industrial Park Drive Pearisburg, VA 24134); or your local Rescue Squad. A guestbook is available by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to be serving the Belcher family.