Earl D. Bellamy, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Earl DeLaine Bellamy, Jr. left those who love him on Friday, May 19 at his home in Paris, Texas. He was born on June 14, 1930, in Houston to Earl D. and Rhoda Lyne Bellamy. He was married to Patricia Ann Evans in Houston in 1953. They enjoyed 57 years of a loving and caring marriage until her unexpected death in 2010.
Dr. Bellamy played varsity basketball at Rice University where he received his B.A. degree and completed his pre-medical studies. He received his M.D. degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where he received several distinguishing accolades.
Dr. Bellamy interned at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. He then served two years as a Captain in the U.S.A.F. at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. He graduated from the Flight Surgeon School at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio and his tour as a Flight Surgeon sparked his interest in ophthalmology. Following his discharge from the U.S.A.F. in 1960, he began a three-year residency in ophthalmology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He completed his residency in 1963 and moved his family to Paris, Texas where he established Paris Eye Physicians and Surgeons. He retired from his practice in 2000.
Dr. Bellamy was certified as a Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He was a member of numerous medical organizations.
Dr. Bellamy was on the staff of the former McQuistion Regional Medical Center and was the President of the Medical Staff and Chief of Surgery for numerous terms. He was also on the Courtesy Staff of the former St. Joseph Hospital and the Lamar County hospital.
Dr. Bellamy was active in the banking industry in Texas, having served as a Director and Chairman of the Board of no less than 6 Banks and Savings and Loans from 1973 through 2007.
His community interests were numerous and varied. He served as President of the Red River Valley Girl Scout Council and was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Paris Independent School District. He was president of this board in 1974 and 1975. He served on the Board of Directors and was Vice President of the Paris Industrial Foundation which preceded the Paris Economic Development Corporation.
In 1999 he participated with an investment group that purchased Paris Packaging. He served on its Board of Directors until 2003.
In the mid 1990’s, Dr. and Mrs.Bellamy became involved in the thoroughbred horse industry. This interest quickly evolved into an enduring passion. They operated The Bellamy Stable, L.L.C., and bred, owned and raced their thoroughbreds. They owned The Diamond B Farm in Paris which provided them and family members with memorable weekends of work and play.
They raced their stable throughout the South and Midwest which afforded them the opportunity to travel and make many friends with like interests from all over the country. Dr. Bellamy was elected to the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Horsemen, Benevolent and Protective Association in 2000. In 2003 he was elected President of this organization and served in this position until 2009. As president of the Arkansas H.B.P.A. he was a member of the Board of Directors of the national H.B.P.A. and was elected to their Executive Committee. He served on numerous other national committees for the benefit of his fellow horsemen. He maintained that was the best non-paying job he’d ever had.
Dr. and Mrs. Bellamy and the family were long time members of First United Methodist Church in Paris. Although his resume is extensive, he will most be remembered for his intelligence, quick wit, generosity with time and money, and the kindness he showed all people. He was a master at developing and sustaining relationships and his humility was inspiring.Dr. Bellamy was the ultimate role model to most who knew him and he will be greatly missed.
Dr. Bellamy was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Bonnie Poole, and his wife, Pat. He is survived by his four daughters and husbands: Lynn Newman and Cam of Fort Worth, Karen Ingram and Terry of Tulsa, Marian Smith and Mark of McKinney, and Susan Wilson and Kyle of McKinney. Also surviving are his seven grandchildren: Chance Newman and Reagan of New Orleans, Trey Barnett of Phoenix, Jeremy Smith and Katie of McKinney, Justin Smith and Whitney of McKinney, Lindsey Baumgarten and Brian of Fort Worth, Evan Wilson and Emily of Charlotte, and Ben Wilson and Shanna of Bells. His great grandchildren are Bellamy and Cannon Smith, Pierce and Evelyn Smith, Amelia, Lila and Thomas Baumgarten, Lily Wilson and Blake Newman. In addition, he leaves a special friend, companion, and partner, Joan Davis of Paris with whom he enjoyed many adventures. The family would like to thank Jana Leverton for her care and kindness until the end.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
Arkansas Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
P O Box 20203
Hot Springs, AR 71913
Paris Education Foundation
The Bellamy Cup Scholarship
P O Box 356
Paris, TX 75461
First United Methodist Church
322 Lamar Ave
Paris, TX 75460
