Funeral services for A.V. Belton, 86, of Ridgeway, were held on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Services were conducted by the Rev. Christopoher Keesee. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers and floral bearers were Mr. Belton’s nephews and nieces.

Mr. Belton died on April 10, 2008.

A native of Fairfield County, he was born on February 9, 1922 a son of the late Thomas Glenn and Louise Howell Belton. He was retired from Southern Railroad and was a veteran of the USN. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where he served as a Trustee and leader of the Jubilee Choir for over 50 years.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Naomi Smith Belton; a son, Nathaniel (Jean) Belton of Ridgeway; daughters, Barbaree Dawkins, Clarrethia Prioleau, Margaree (Reggie) Taylor and Marilyn (Prowen) Tucker of Ridgeway; brothers, Dock (Lorrie) Belton of Ridgeway and Nathaniel Belton of Newark, N.J.; sisters, Frances Cook of Greensboro, N.C. and Lethia (Willie H., Sr.) Richardson of Ridgeway; three sisters-in-law, Stella Belton of Burlington, N.C. and Eliza Ann McClurkin and Mary Simmons of Ridgeway; grand-daughter, Andrea Belton of the home; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grands and a host of nephews, nieces other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Floyd L. Belton; brothers James, Thomas, Douglas Reid, Sr., Tallie and Richard; and sisters Sara Janie, Geneva and Lou Fannie.

Russell-McCutchen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.