Walter Belew

Friday, July 17, 2015

Walter Jerrell Belew, age 79, of Jonesboro, former longtime Portia resident, died Thursday July 16, 2015 at St. Bernards Medical Center. Born in the Lesterville community, he was the son of the late Walter and Flossie Webb Belew and lived most of his life in Lawrence County.

A 1953 graduate of Walnut Ridge High School, he served in the Arkansas National Guard and was a former deputy sheriff in Pulaski County. He was the owner/operator of Belew's Used Cars in Walnut Ridge and Portia and served as the Mayor of Portia during the 1990's. Jerrell was a member of the Crossroads Baptist Church in Portia and the Sonlighters gospel quartet. He was an outdoorsman and loved spending time in the country with his dog.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Tommie Jean Williams, a brother-in-law, 1 niece and 1 nephew.

He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and Anita Belew of Jonesboro

Steve and Mary Belew of Saltillo, Miss.;

Three daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa and John Sproles of Little Rock, Rebecca and Mike Burrier of Leachville, and Carrie and Scott Fraley of Earle;

One sister, Tressie Mossburg of Spartanburg, South Carolina; and

13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 11am Saturday July 18, 2015 at the Crossroads Baptist Church in Portia with Rev. Bobby Burnett, Rev. Mike Frost officiating. Burial will follow in the Lawrence County Memorial Park under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Leachville. The family will receive visitors Saturday from 10am until service time at the church.

Pallbearers will include Scott Fraley, Mike Burrier, Chris Applegate, Jonathon Nettles, and Gary Mossburg. Online guest register @www.HowardFuneralService.com.