Samuel Lawrence Belk Jr.

Samuel Lawrence Belk, Jr., 87, of Gainesville, Virginia passed away peacefully at his home in Heritage Hunt on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Sam was born in Richmond, VA, and grew up in Hopewell and Fredericksburg. He graduated from the University of Richmond where when sidelined from football with a knee injury he became a cheerleader and member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He loved his Spiders and was a dedicated supporter of UR Athletics, as well as a member of the University Board of Trustees. Upon graduating from UR in 1958, Sam was promptly hired by IBM where he began his esteemed career as a sales executive. He retired from IBM after 25 years but continued to work as a bank Vice President and business executive eventually retiring from M&T Bank. But Sam never slowed down. As an avid sportsman, golfer, fisherman, skier, sailor, and all-around outdoorsman he stayed active throughout his life. He is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn of 35 years. Sam and Carolyn traveled the world exploring unique destinations and making special memories, not to mention great friends. Sam treasured his friendships and made great efforts to keep in touch with friends from all parts of his life. Sam was an enthusiastic member and past President of Westwood Country Club in Vienna where you could find him swinging a golf club, starting or timing at a swim meet, or just catching up with friends. He was a successful restaurateur who owned and operated the Waffle King franchise in Fairfax, Herndon, and Alexandria. Sam loved to sing and had a beautiful voice that he shared as a member of the Heritage Hunt Men In Song group. He was an avid storyteller, had a smile that lit up a room, and a heart of gratitude. Sam will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude Wiles Belk and Samuel Lawrence Belk, D. DIV, as well as his late wife Elinor DeLong Belk and his two younger brothers William Belk, M.D. and Robert Belk, M.D. Sam is survived by his wife Carolyn Clark Belk, his daughters Mary Dee Farrar(Greg) of Richmond, VA, Elinor Kinnier (John) of Vero Beach, Florida, and stepdaughters Stacy Smith (pos. Stephen) of Knoxville, TN, and Jennifer Gertz (Dave) of Richmond, VA, sisters in-law, Betty Clark Lindberg, Ruth Belk and Lucy Belk; as well as his grandchildren Rebecca Daza (Sean),Tanner Kinnier, Spencer Kinnier, Bo Farrar, Jake Farrar, and step-grandchildren Grant Smith (Kayla), Zach Smith (Melissa), Erich Gertz (Aubrey), and Hannah Gertz Meeson (Nick). He was great-grandfather to 8 children. The family will receive friends at Pierce’s Funeral Home in Manassas, Virginia on Wednesday, September 18th from 6 pm to 8 pm. A private burial service will be held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee where Sam and Carolyn enjoyed spending months each year at Carolyn’s family home. The family extends special thanks to the nurses and caregivers who provided wonderful loving care through his final days.

Samuel Lawrence Belk Jr.

July 23, 1937 - September 14, 2024