Belin, Richard

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 Mr. Richard Gene Belin was born on May 30th, 1952 in Florence South Carolina to Mr. Charlie Belin and Mrs. Hessie Vernell Lewis Belin. He was married to Thelma Ford and lived most of his life in Florence, SC. He departed this life on May 7th, 2011. Richard received his formal education through the Florence County Public School System and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. He also graduated from Midlands Technical College with an Associate degree in Business Management. Richard earned various degrees from other institutions of higher learning. Throughout his life, Richard worked in various occupations. He began his career journey in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged after a service related injury. He transitioned into civilian life as a policeman with the Florence County Police Department and later became an entrepreneur in the mortgage industry. Later in life, Richard became involved in the community as a political activist and served many charitable organizations. He was on the board of the National Juneteenth Association and was instrumental in achieving state holiday status in 39 states throughout the nation for this organization. Richard also founded and was the Executive Director of People Against Drugs and AIDS Infections (PADAI), and was widely known as a National Strategist throughout the political arena. During the last years of his life, Richard was called as a teaching minister. Due to his work throughout the community, he was awarded numerous honors and recognition. Richard leaves to cherish his memories: six children, Mrs. Lavon Cain Pinder of Florence, SC; Mr. Laron Delouryae Cain of Florence, SC; Ms. Raconia Riggins of Florence, SC; Ms. Hessica Riggins of Florence, SC; Ms. Terica Clanika Belin of Florence, SC, and Mr. Christian Thompson of Charlotte, NC; five grandchildren; five stepchildren, Mrs. Lynette Pyett, Mr. Michael Muhammad, Mr. Marcell Riggins, Mr. Michael Rush, and Mr. Derrick Rush; four step-grandchildren; seven siblings, Mrs. Edith Bell of Pamplico, SC; Mr. McAuthor Belin of Sumter, SC; Mrs. Eunice Cain of Pamplico SC; Mr. Isaac Belin of Florence, SC; Mrs. Rebecca Gibbs of Pamplico, SC; Mr. Willie James Belin of Pamplico, SC, and Ms. Carolyn Belin of Pamplico, SC; one son-in-law, Mr. Cedrick Antwane Pinder; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Vanessa Faye Cain; four sisters-in-law, Mrs. Louella Belin of Andrews, SC; Mrs. Saberer Kirven Belin of Sumter, SC; Mrs. Annette Belin of Lake City, SC, and Mrs. Emma Jean Belin of Pamplico, SC; three brothers-in-law, Mr. Ronnie Gibbs of Pamplico, SC; Mr. Luther Flowers of Augusta, GA, and Mr. Lee L. Douglas Cain of Pamplico, SC; three special family friends, Ms. Christine Rush, Ms. Claudine Hart, and Ms. Angela Atkinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Hessie Belin; three brothers, Mr. Raymond Belin of Pamplico, SC; Mr. Charlie Belin Jr. of Augusta, GA, and Mr. John Gary Belin of Andrews, SC; and two sisters, Ms. Hessie Mae Belin of Pamplico, SC, and Mrs. Lila Flowers of Florence, SC.