Beneath his rough and tough exterior, Terry Bellingham had a heart of gold and a generous spirit that would do anything for anyone. He brightened the days of those around him with his quick wit and sense of humor that was unmatched. Terry treasured his family above all else and made the time to drink in each moment along his journey. He found such joy in the little things in life like family traditions, enjoying a meal among family and friends, and being out on the water. Terry offered so much to those around him including his very best work in everything he did, his loyal friendship, and his generous spirit – a reflection of a life well lived.
In 1946, America was taking great strides to establish a return to normalcy with the end of WWII just one year before. People were expecting a better life since the years before the war were plagued by the Great Depression and in many ways, they were not disappointed. It was during this same year that a little known product by the name of Tupperware hit department store shelves, the microwave oven that forever changed the way we cook was invented, and greats like Frank Sinatra, Bill Haley, and Duke Ellington commanded the airwaves. Amidst this year of great change there was great celebration in the family of Charles Leslie and Agnes Fidelia (Duffey) Bellingham since they welcomed their son, Terry, into their hearts and home on July 30th. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Terry was the youngest of five children in his family that included his sisters, Joyce, Virginia, Cecile, and Mary Ellen. Terry was raised in the family home on Luella Street in Kalamazoo where he lived a life that was rather typical for the youth of his generation. He became great friends with a boy named Timothy Ranney who would remain his friend through thick and thin until Timothy's death in 2006. Terry attended local schools including Loy Norrix High School where he played baseball. He became part of the graduating class of 1964.
With a great love for his country, Terry served in the United States Army from 1966 through much of 1969. His duties took him to Vietnam where he earned the rank of SP5 with the advisory team. Although his active duty had been fulfilled, Terry remained part of the United States Army Reserves until 1972.
Life was forever changed for Terry when he met a young woman named Janice Hopkins. Together they were blessed with two children, Sean and Tait. In order to provide for his family, Terry worked as a regional manager in the laundry division with the Aramark Corporation, traveling all over the eastern United States. He was a hard worker who was dedicated to his job until he retired in 2004.
During the winter season in 1980, Terry was introduced to Vivian Gillum by her mother. They developed a relationship and over time, fell deeply in love. With a desire to make their love official, they went to a judge before they both headed off to work one day in 1986. Later, they celebrated their marriage with a small family gathering. From this marriage, Terry gained a daughter, Gigi, and later the couple adopted two boys, Alex and Joseph. He and Vivian enjoyed spending time together and shared many of the same interests such as dancing, going to the beach, attending concerts and parties, and much of the same music, too. Terry treasured the Christmas season and it was important to him that he kept the family traditions alive.
Throughout his life, Terry enjoyed a diverse palette of interests. He was a diehard fan of University of Michigan football as evidenced by the U of M football shirts that he often wore and if he wasn't wearing one of those shirts, it was a "Life is good" shirt. Terry loved the water whether he was out deep sea fishing, relaxing on his boat or riding his jet ski. Living in Georgia for more than 20 years provided Terry with plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and the sea. All his life, he enjoyed hosting cookouts and BBQs for family and friends since nothing brought him greater joy than making a meal and watching the people around him enjoy it. These gatherings always found Terry with a big grin on his face that was hard to miss. He was a regular at McDonald's for coffee in the morning during his retirement years, and he also referred to himself as "Mr. Mom" with so much more time at home. No matter what it was, Terry would always say, "Mr. Mom will handle it!" He enjoyed the companionship of his beagle named Stitch that was always with him in his garage that was better known as his "man cave."
The life of Terry Bellingham exemplifies what it means to live a life of strength and integrity. He was a man who never shied away from working hard, but he knew how to play hard, too. Whatever Terry did he gave it his very best and in doing so, he was someone others could count on. A man who would give the shirt off his back to help another, Terry was a loving and caring man who was treasured by many. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Terry Bellingham died Thursday, December 23, 2010 at Windy Hill Hospital in Marieta, GA. Terry's family includes his wife, Vivian Gillum-Bellingham; children, Sean (Michelle) Bellingham and Tait Bellingham of Belleville, Gigi (Dave) Thomas of North Ridgeville, OH, and Alex and Joseph Bellingham of Canton, GA; grandchildren, Jared, Haley and Farrah Bellingham, Zachary and Austin Thomas; and sisters, Cecile Lorraine Calvert who resides at Tendercare of Portage, Mary (William) Brush of Portage, sister-in-laws Rita, Crystal, Kathy & Lisa Willis and brother-in-laws, James Dale Waldron also of Portage and Jay & Alan Willis as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Terry was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Joyce Arlene Keyes and Virginia Mae Waldron. Funeral services for Terry will take place Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). Please visit Terry's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his guestbook before coming to the funeral home, or in lieu of flowers, make a memorial donation to Disabled Veterans of America.
In 1946, America was taking great strides to establish a return to normalcy with the end of WWII just one year before. People were expecting a better life since the years before the war were plagued by the Great Depression and in many ways, they were not disappointed. It was during this same year that a little known product by the name of Tupperware hit department store shelves, the microwave oven that forever changed the way we cook was invented, and greats like Frank Sinatra, Bill Haley, and Duke Ellington commanded the airwaves. Amidst this year of great change there was great celebration in the family of Charles Leslie and Agnes Fidelia (Duffey) Bellingham since they welcomed their son, Terry, into their hearts and home on July 30th. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Terry was the youngest of five children in his family that included his sisters, Joyce, Virginia, Cecile, and Mary Ellen. Terry was raised in the family home on Luella Street in Kalamazoo where he lived a life that was rather typical for the youth of his generation. He became great friends with a boy named Timothy Ranney who would remain his friend through thick and thin until Timothy's death in 2006. Terry attended local schools including Loy Norrix High School where he played baseball. He became part of the graduating class of 1964.
With a great love for his country, Terry served in the United States Army from 1966 through much of 1969. His duties took him to Vietnam where he earned the rank of SP5 with the advisory team. Although his active duty had been fulfilled, Terry remained part of the United States Army Reserves until 1972.
Life was forever changed for Terry when he met a young woman named Janice Hopkins. Together they were blessed with two children, Sean and Tait. In order to provide for his family, Terry worked as a regional manager in the laundry division with the Aramark Corporation, traveling all over the eastern United States. He was a hard worker who was dedicated to his job until he retired in 2004.
During the winter season in 1980, Terry was introduced to Vivian Gillum by her mother. They developed a relationship and over time, fell deeply in love. With a desire to make their love official, they went to a judge before they both headed off to work one day in 1986. Later, they celebrated their marriage with a small family gathering. From this marriage, Terry gained a daughter, Gigi, and later the couple adopted two boys, Alex and Joseph. He and Vivian enjoyed spending time together and shared many of the same interests such as dancing, going to the beach, attending concerts and parties, and much of the same music, too. Terry treasured the Christmas season and it was important to him that he kept the family traditions alive.
Throughout his life, Terry enjoyed a diverse palette of interests. He was a diehard fan of University of Michigan football as evidenced by the U of M football shirts that he often wore and if he wasn't wearing one of those shirts, it was a "Life is good" shirt. Terry loved the water whether he was out deep sea fishing, relaxing on his boat or riding his jet ski. Living in Georgia for more than 20 years provided Terry with plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and the sea. All his life, he enjoyed hosting cookouts and BBQs for family and friends since nothing brought him greater joy than making a meal and watching the people around him enjoy it. These gatherings always found Terry with a big grin on his face that was hard to miss. He was a regular at McDonald's for coffee in the morning during his retirement years, and he also referred to himself as "Mr. Mom" with so much more time at home. No matter what it was, Terry would always say, "Mr. Mom will handle it!" He enjoyed the companionship of his beagle named Stitch that was always with him in his garage that was better known as his "man cave."
The life of Terry Bellingham exemplifies what it means to live a life of strength and integrity. He was a man who never shied away from working hard, but he knew how to play hard, too. Whatever Terry did he gave it his very best and in doing so, he was someone others could count on. A man who would give the shirt off his back to help another, Terry was a loving and caring man who was treasured by many. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Terry Bellingham died Thursday, December 23, 2010 at Windy Hill Hospital in Marieta, GA. Terry's family includes his wife, Vivian Gillum-Bellingham; children, Sean (Michelle) Bellingham and Tait Bellingham of Belleville, Gigi (Dave) Thomas of North Ridgeville, OH, and Alex and Joseph Bellingham of Canton, GA; grandchildren, Jared, Haley and Farrah Bellingham, Zachary and Austin Thomas; and sisters, Cecile Lorraine Calvert who resides at Tendercare of Portage, Mary (William) Brush of Portage, sister-in-laws Rita, Crystal, Kathy & Lisa Willis and brother-in-laws, James Dale Waldron also of Portage and Jay & Alan Willis as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Terry was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Joyce Arlene Keyes and Virginia Mae Waldron. Funeral services for Terry will take place Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). Please visit Terry's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his guestbook before coming to the funeral home, or in lieu of flowers, make a memorial donation to Disabled Veterans of America.
Beneath his rough and tough exterior, Terry Bellingham had a heart of gold and a generous spirit that would do anything for anyone. He brightened the days of those around him with his quick wit and sense of humor that was unmatched. Terry treasured his family above all else and made the time to drink in each moment along his journey. He found such joy in the little things in life like family traditions, enjoying a meal among family and friends, and being out on the water. Terry offered so much to those around him including his very best work in everything he did, his loyal friendship, and his generous spirit – a reflection of a life well lived.
In 1946, America was taking great strides to establish a return to normalcy with the end of WWII just one year before. People were expecting a better life since the years before the war were plagued by the Great Depression and in many ways, they were not disappointed. It was during this same year that a little known product by the name of Tupperware hit department store shelves, the microwave oven that forever changed the way we cook was invented, and greats like Frank Sinatra, Bill Haley, and Duke Ellington commanded the airwaves. Amidst this year of great change there was great celebration in the family of Charles Leslie and Agnes Fidelia (Duffey) Bellingham since they welcomed their son, Terry, into their hearts and home on July 30th. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Terry was the youngest of five children in his family that included his sisters, Joyce, Virginia, Cecile, and Mary Ellen. Terry was raised in the family home on Luella Street in Kalamazoo where he lived a life that was rather typical for the youth of his generation. He became great friends with a boy named Timothy Ranney who would remain his friend through thick and thin until Timothy's death in 2006. Terry attended local schools including Loy Norrix High School where he played baseball. He became part of the graduating class of 1964.
With a great love for his country, Terry served in the United States Army from 1966 through much of 1969. His duties took him to Vietnam where he earned the rank of SP5 with the advisory team. Although his active duty had been fulfilled, Terry remained part of the United States Army Reserves until 1972.
Life was forever changed for Terry when he met a young woman named Janice Hopkins. Together they were blessed with two children, Sean and Tait. In order to provide for his family, Terry worked as a regional manager in the laundry division with the Aramark Corporation, traveling all over the eastern United States. He was a hard worker who was dedicated to his job until he retired in 2004.
During the winter season in 1980, Terry was introduced to Vivian Gillum by her mother. They developed a relationship and over time, fell deeply in love. With a desire to make their love official, they went to a judge before they both headed off to work one day in 1986. Later, they celebrated their marriage with a small family gathering. From this marriage, Terry gained a daughter, Gigi, and later the couple adopted two boys, Alex and Joseph. He and Vivian enjoyed spending time together and shared many of the same interests such as dancing, going to the beach, attending concerts and parties, and much of the same music, too. Terry treasured the Christmas season and it was important to him that he kept the family traditions alive.
Throughout his life, Terry enjoyed a diverse palette of interests. He was a diehard fan of University of Michigan football as evidenced by the U of M football shirts that he often wore and if he wasn't wearing one of those shirts, it was a "Life is good" shirt. Terry loved the water whether he was out deep sea fishing, relaxing on his boat or riding his jet ski. Living in Georgia for more than 20 years provided Terry with plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and the sea. All his life, he enjoyed hosting cookouts and BBQs for family and friends since nothing brought him greater joy than making a meal and watching the people around him enjoy it. These gatherings always found Terry with a big grin on his face that was hard to miss. He was a regular at McDonald's for coffee in the morning during his retirement years, and he also referred to himself as "Mr. Mom" with so much more time at home. No matter what it was, Terry would always say, "Mr. Mom will handle it!" He enjoyed the companionship of his beagle named Stitch that was always with him in his garage that was better known as his "man cave."
The life of Terry Bellingham exemplifies what it means to live a life of strength and integrity. He was a man who never shied away from working hard, but he knew how to play hard, too. Whatever Terry did he gave it his very best and in doing so, he was someone others could count on. A man who would give the shirt off his back to help another, Terry was a loving and caring man who was treasured by many. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Terry Bellingham died Thursday, December 23, 2010 at Windy Hill Hospital in Marieta, GA. Terry's family includes his wife, Vivian Gillum-Bellingham; children, Sean (Michelle) Bellingham and Tait Bellingham of Belleville, Gigi (Dave) Thomas of North Ridgeville, OH, and Alex and Joseph Bellingham of Canton, GA; grandchildren, Jared, Haley and Farrah Bellingham, Zachary and Austin Thomas; and sisters, Cecile Lorraine Calvert who resides at Tendercare of Portage, Mary (William) Brush of Portage, sister-in-laws Rita, Crystal, Kathy & Lisa Willis and brother-in-laws, James Dale Waldron also of Portage and Jay & Alan Willis as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Terry was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Joyce Arlene Keyes and Virginia Mae Waldron. Funeral services for Terry will take place Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). Please visit Terry's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his guestbook before coming to the funeral home, or in lieu of flowers, make a memorial donation to Disabled Veterans of America.
In 1946, America was taking great strides to establish a return to normalcy with the end of WWII just one year before. People were expecting a better life since the years before the war were plagued by the Great Depression and in many ways, they were not disappointed. It was during this same year that a little known product by the name of Tupperware hit department store shelves, the microwave oven that forever changed the way we cook was invented, and greats like Frank Sinatra, Bill Haley, and Duke Ellington commanded the airwaves. Amidst this year of great change there was great celebration in the family of Charles Leslie and Agnes Fidelia (Duffey) Bellingham since they welcomed their son, Terry, into their hearts and home on July 30th. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Terry was the youngest of five children in his family that included his sisters, Joyce, Virginia, Cecile, and Mary Ellen. Terry was raised in the family home on Luella Street in Kalamazoo where he lived a life that was rather typical for the youth of his generation. He became great friends with a boy named Timothy Ranney who would remain his friend through thick and thin until Timothy's death in 2006. Terry attended local schools including Loy Norrix High School where he played baseball. He became part of the graduating class of 1964.
With a great love for his country, Terry served in the United States Army from 1966 through much of 1969. His duties took him to Vietnam where he earned the rank of SP5 with the advisory team. Although his active duty had been fulfilled, Terry remained part of the United States Army Reserves until 1972.
Life was forever changed for Terry when he met a young woman named Janice Hopkins. Together they were blessed with two children, Sean and Tait. In order to provide for his family, Terry worked as a regional manager in the laundry division with the Aramark Corporation, traveling all over the eastern United States. He was a hard worker who was dedicated to his job until he retired in 2004.
During the winter season in 1980, Terry was introduced to Vivian Gillum by her mother. They developed a relationship and over time, fell deeply in love. With a desire to make their love official, they went to a judge before they both headed off to work one day in 1986. Later, they celebrated their marriage with a small family gathering. From this marriage, Terry gained a daughter, Gigi, and later the couple adopted two boys, Alex and Joseph. He and Vivian enjoyed spending time together and shared many of the same interests such as dancing, going to the beach, attending concerts and parties, and much of the same music, too. Terry treasured the Christmas season and it was important to him that he kept the family traditions alive.
Throughout his life, Terry enjoyed a diverse palette of interests. He was a diehard fan of University of Michigan football as evidenced by the U of M football shirts that he often wore and if he wasn't wearing one of those shirts, it was a "Life is good" shirt. Terry loved the water whether he was out deep sea fishing, relaxing on his boat or riding his jet ski. Living in Georgia for more than 20 years provided Terry with plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun and the sea. All his life, he enjoyed hosting cookouts and BBQs for family and friends since nothing brought him greater joy than making a meal and watching the people around him enjoy it. These gatherings always found Terry with a big grin on his face that was hard to miss. He was a regular at McDonald's for coffee in the morning during his retirement years, and he also referred to himself as "Mr. Mom" with so much more time at home. No matter what it was, Terry would always say, "Mr. Mom will handle it!" He enjoyed the companionship of his beagle named Stitch that was always with him in his garage that was better known as his "man cave."
The life of Terry Bellingham exemplifies what it means to live a life of strength and integrity. He was a man who never shied away from working hard, but he knew how to play hard, too. Whatever Terry did he gave it his very best and in doing so, he was someone others could count on. A man who would give the shirt off his back to help another, Terry was a loving and caring man who was treasured by many. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Terry Bellingham died Thursday, December 23, 2010 at Windy Hill Hospital in Marieta, GA. Terry's family includes his wife, Vivian Gillum-Bellingham; children, Sean (Michelle) Bellingham and Tait Bellingham of Belleville, Gigi (Dave) Thomas of North Ridgeville, OH, and Alex and Joseph Bellingham of Canton, GA; grandchildren, Jared, Haley and Farrah Bellingham, Zachary and Austin Thomas; and sisters, Cecile Lorraine Calvert who resides at Tendercare of Portage, Mary (William) Brush of Portage, sister-in-laws Rita, Crystal, Kathy & Lisa Willis and brother-in-laws, James Dale Waldron also of Portage and Jay & Alan Willis as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Terry was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Joyce Arlene Keyes and Virginia Mae Waldron. Funeral services for Terry will take place Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). Please visit Terry's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his guestbook before coming to the funeral home, or in lieu of flowers, make a memorial donation to Disabled Veterans of America.
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Terry L. Bellingham SP5 US Army Vietnam
Jul 30, 1946 - Dec 23, 2010
Loving Husband Dad and Papa Bear
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