Ira M Belton

Ira Michael Belton was born on October 23, 1949, to the late Walter and Creola Belton. Ira was a proud graduate of Risley High School Class of 1967 and attended Fort Valley State University, where he played trumpet in the marching band. He later answered the call to serve in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. There, he trained military dogs and carried out his duties with courage and strength. After returning home, he dedicated many years as a Correctional Officer for the State of New Jersey.

Known to many as “Country” for his Southern roots, Ira was the kind of man who said what he meant, sometimes with a laugh, sometimes with a well-placed curse word, but always with truth. Among the family, he was affectionately called Uncle Ira, not just by nieces and nephews, but by cousins and friends who felt like family. He didn’t believe in sugarcoating, but to know him was to love him.

Ira was a devoted father and family man, whose love stretched across generations and seasons of life. He began his journey through fatherhood with Glenira (Larry) Belton-Newton and Kenan (Tonya) Belton. In time, he built a life with his beloved wife, the late Dorothy (Sanders) Belton, and together they raised Aliya (Kyre) Belton and Andrea (Kareem) Scriven. Through it all, Ira nurtured a blended family rooted in unity and love.

Ira was a proud grandfather to Devaughn (Jessica) Belton, Antoinette Dixon, Tavian Belton, Keera Belton, Keona Belton, Khaiya Belton, Mia Bloodsworth and Bryson Bloodsworth, and a loving great-grandfather to Natalie Belton and Zion Belton.

Ira Michael Belton departed this life on June 19, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Creola Belton; wife, Dorothy Belton; son, Ira M. Belton, Jr.; grandsons, Kenan Belton, Jr., and Tyree Belton; and sister, Jacqueline Traeye.

He leaves behind his sisters, Janice (Mathis) Gibson of Decatur, GA and Viette Hunter of Darien, GA, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ira loved Earth, Wind & Fire, Georgia Bulldogs football, Braves baseball, and fishing, but more than anything, he loved his people. His impact runs deep. He lived out his values with quiet conviction and left behind a legacy of strength and joy.