Ernie Ray Belcher

ROCK — Ernie Ray Belcher, age 62, of Rock, W.Va. passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2009 at Princeton Community Hospital after a short battle with cancer. Three weeks ago, Ernie accepted the Lord and Savior into his heart. His prayers were answered, and he is now on his heavenly journey home. Born on March 17, 1947 in Thornhill, W.Va., he was the son of the late John Lewis and Naomi Gilbert Belcher. His in-laws were the late Woodrow and Beatrice Perkins Brown. Special nephew, Troy Lee Belcher of Richmond, Va., preceded him in death. Ernie was a devoted, loving husband and best friend to his wife, Kay (K-Kay) for 40 years. He was a wonderful father to his two children, loving son, Gannon Belcher and wife Jenni Proctor Belcher of Rock and his loving daughter, Wendy Lambert and husband S. Sgt. Robert Lambert of Brushfork. He was the best papaw to his wonderful grandchildren, Jacob Seth Lambert, Jared Levi Belcher, Hannah Grace Belcher and Jaden Sierra Lambert; brothers, Wayne Belcher and wife Jude of Richmond, Va., Roger Belcher and wife Joyce of Rock, Jr. Belcher and wife Anita of Rock, and Bobby Belcher and wife Bonnie of Bluefield; sisters, Darlene Stanley and husband Ernest of Richmond, Va., and Gerri Owens and husband Bob of Maryland; grandchildren by heart, Amanda, Tyler, Jacob, Matt, Sabrina, Matthew and Bobby; heart sons, Mike Johnson, Bernie Simpson, Mark Perdue and Dave Meskenish; each niece and nephew had a very special place in his heart. He graduated from Bramwell High School in 1966. Ernie served his country with great honor and pride for two years. He was a great provider for his family, working hard all of his life in the coal mines at Crane Creek, McComas, W.Va., Hazzard, Ky. and Lusk Disposal.Ernie loved life, his family and friends and his lake family. He always enjoyed special times with his son and brothers during hunting season. He loved big black Chevelle's, sitting around the campfire and riding the 4 wheelers across the West Virginia hills. He was a devoted husband, father and friend. He was well loved by everyone that knew him. He will be sadly missed and will be in the hearts of everyone who knew and was loved by him forever.Services will be held on Monday, November 30, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home with pastors David Kirby and Brian Cochran officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park with military honors conducted by the WV Honor Guard and the Mercer County Veterans Council. Pallbearers will be Gannon Belcher, Mike Johnson, Mark Perdue, Dave Meskenish, Bernie Simpson, Jacob Lambert, Jared Belcher, Junior Belcher and Jacob Horne. Honorary pallbearers will be all of his brothers, brothers-in-law, nephews, friends and a special friends, Lee Wright, Mark Terry, Robert Lambert and Ike Lambert.The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.comCravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the family. Published in the Bluefield Daily Telegraph on 11/28/2009