Howard Bellamy
Jun 19, 1945 -
Jun 22, 2026
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7
"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23
Howard Thomas Bellamy Sr. was born on June 19, 1945, in Moultrie, Ga., to Benjamin Bellamy and Eunice (Yarborough) Bellamy. From an early age, he was grounded in the values of faith, hard work, service and family—principles that guided every season of his life.
At 16, Howard moved to Miami, Fla., where he attended Saint Mary's Baptist Church and graduated from George Washington Carver Senior High School. His athletic ability earned him an invitation to attend the Los Angeles Dodgers' training camp in Vero Beach, Fla.
In 1964, Howard proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force and later continued his service with the Alaska National Guard from 1973–1977. Military service shaped the quiet strength, discipline, humility and integrity that defined his life. He served honorably and faithfully, demonstrating the courage, discipline and commitment that define our nation's military. His dedication to service did not end when he left active duty. He continued serving as a member of the Alaska National Guard.
In August 1973, Howard married his childhood sweetheart, Margaret "Margo" (Gross) Bellamy. Together they built a family and shared more than 50 years of love, faith, friendship and unwavering devotion.
Howard made Alaska his home, where he became deeply involved in civic, athletic and community leadership. He worked on the North Slope during the early pipeline years before serving as Sales and Store Manager for Spenard Builders Supply and later helping fellow veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
A gifted athlete, Howard played baseball with the Anchorage Glacier Pilots and coached baseball and football at East, West and Bartlett high schools. Coach Bellamy became far more than a coach: he became a mentor whose influence shaped generations of young Alaskans.
His faith remained the cornerstone of his life. He worshipped for many years at Leake Temple AME Zion Church before joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Howard's greatest accomplishments were never found in titles—they were found in the people he loved. Whether you knew him as Howard, Daddy, Pop, Papa, Coach Bellamy or simply Mr. Bellamy, you were almost always greeted with a warm smile, genuine kindness and sincere interest in how you were doing. His greatest pride was his family. He was a loving father who cherished family gatherings, celebrated the accomplishments of those he loved and provided wisdom, guidance and encouragement throughout his life.
A self-taught florist, Howard loved flowers, flower arranging and making corsages. He was also an avid reader and loved poetry, puzzles, crosswords and word finds. A performer and lover of the arts, Howard had an amazing voice which he used throughout his life to praise God, uplift and celebrate others.
Howard will be remembered for his warm and contagious smile, his quiet strength, his generous spirit and unwavering commitment to serving others. Whether through military service, coaching, community leadership, church involvement or mentoring those around him, he consistently sought to make life better for others. He leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, faith and love that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Whether you knew him as Howard, Daddy, Pop, Papa, Coach, Coach Bellamy or simply Mr. Bellamy, you were almost always greeted with a warm smile, genuine kindness and sincere interest in how you were doing.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Margaret "Margo" (Gross) Bellamy; daughter, Dr. Kristina (Bellamy) Mason; son, Howard T. Bellamy Jr.; treasured grandchildren, Jackson Reier Bellamy and Elijah Jayden Bellamy-Sullivan; siblings, Brenda "Sue" Gifford, Albert Bellamy, Charlene "Gayle" Bryant and Regina Bellamy; together with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, fellow veterans, former players, church family and dear friends.
Howard's legacy lives on through every life he touched. His life was not defined by the positions he held, but by the people he lifted.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Legacy Heritage Chapel, 440 East Klatt Road, Anchorage, AK 99515, at 2 p.m.
Military Honors scheduled in a private ceremony for the family in honor of Howard's faithful service to the United States of America.
The family of Howard Thomas Bellamy Sr. gratefully acknowledges the many expressions of love, prayers, kindness and support shown during this time of bereavement. Your presence, cards, calls and acts of compassion have provided comfort and strength.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor Howard's commitment to children and families, we are asking family and friends to consider donating to the Alaska Children's Trust in his name.
