Cecil Ray Belk

Cecil Belk, 78, of Shalimar, Florida passed away Thursday, April 1, 2021 at his home.  Cecil Ray Belk was born September 10, 1942 in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.

Cecil attended White Oak School in Elkhorn, Wisconsin and Allentown High School in Milton, Florida.  A lifelong scholar, he graduated college with several degrees:   BA Psychology from University of Maryland, MS Human Development Counseling from George Peabody College, Tennessee, MS Theology from Southern Christian University, Alabama.  He was an adjunct professor of Biblical Studies for Southern Christian University. 

Cecil lived and worked on his parent’s dairy farm, Belkowana Farms, in Milton, Florida until joining the Air Force in 1960.  He retired at Eglin Air Force Base in 1981 at the rank of Master Sergeant.  During his service he received multiple military awards:  Meritorious Service Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster); Air Force Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters); Air Force Good Conduct Medal (5 Oak Leaf Clusters); National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (1 Bronze Service Star), Air Force Longevity Service Award (4 Oak Leaf Cluster), Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross (with Palm), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal (2nd Class.)  During his early military years, Cecil was also the 13th non-Japanese individual to achieve the highest rank of Master in Hakkoryu Jui Jitsu under the founding Sensei, Abukawa.

He served as Minister of Emerald Coast Church of Christ from 1989 until the time of his death. Cecil was well known for his dedication to the Agape Christian Academy & Agape Thrift Store. His favorite activity was finding treasure at estate sales.  He was a past President of the Kiwanis Club of Fort Walton Beach.

Cecil was the beloved husband of 33 years of Edna Belk, deceased. Together they enjoyed serving the congregation, traveling with family, and cruising to beautiful locations.

Cecil was previously married to Mary O. Bonifay of Milton, Florida for 24 years, with whom he had 4 children. They enjoyed traveling the world during his early military years while starting a family.

He is survived by his children, Steven Belk (wife Victoria) of Tampa, Florida, Sherri Belk of Rabun Gap, Georgia, Sharla Calloway of Pensacola, Florida and Standon Belk of Flowery Branch, Georgia; Step-Daughter, Tracy Gorby Seymour (husband Dan) of Oakton, Virginia; grandchildren, Deborah (Brit) Lancaster, Leah (Jeremiah) Daniel, Joshua, Jason and Justin Nester, Seth, Taylor and Alex Calloway, Alex and Andy Belk, Erica, Myles and Noah Seymour; great grandchildren, Avery (Evan) McKinney and Brendon Lancaster, Rylan and Amrynth Daniel, Calloway and Hastings Nester; siblings, Terry Belk of Tampico, Mexico, Carl Belk of Mobile, Alabama, Karen Belk Haak of Sunnyside, Washington, and numerous nieces, nephews and grand/great nephews and nieces. Mr. Belk is preceded in death by his father Raymond Belk and mother Marie Emma Hopkins, and wife Edna Earl Belk.

Flowers can be sent to the Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, or donations may be sent to the Agape Christian Academy, 300 South Avenue, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32547.

Cecil will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 10, 2021.  Services will be held at Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road, NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL.  A time of Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a Funeral Service immediately following at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Beal Memorial Cemetery, 316 Beal Parkway NW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida with full military honors. Guests are asked to wear masks due to Covid-19.