Rickey Beland

Rick BeLand, 75, died Tuesday (June 14) in St. Francis Hospital, Midlothian. A native of  Brownwood, Texas, he was born on Nov. 22, 1940, Mr. Beland made Amelia County his adopted home.   Mr. BeLand worked in various positions with Tandy Corporation, including management. After his retirement he became a partner in TechKnowlege, a computer consulting company. Following his second retirement Mr. BeLand joined The Amelia Bulletin Monitor as sales manager and sports reporter with a concentration on motor sports highlighting NASCAR and other local competition. In Amelia Mr. BeLand was active in local and state government and had quite a passion for politics. When the Commonwealth allowed localities to decide upon local election of school boards as opposed to appointment through the courts system, Mr. BeLand single handedly gathered the signatures needed to place the question on the ballot. In Amelia County the vote was overwhelmingly in support of an elected school board. Mr. BeLand also served on the Amelia County Industrial Development Authority.  Mr. BeLand was involved in the Cuban Missle Crisis on the US Independence, he was an E-4 in the U.S. Navy and served as an assistant to the admiral on the ship.  He held a passion for racing…from carts to Formula 1 cars…and boats. In his early years in Texas he had the honor of some competition with AJ Foyt and in later years he joined with local racers in adventures at Virginia International Raceway. In media coverage for the Monitor, Mr. BeLand primarily covered Richmond International Raceway and traveled with the local reporters to many events including two visits in the White House with the President and several private conferences with leading Sprint Cup drivers. He also enjoyed field trials with his beagles and traveled throughout the East Coast participating with his dogs. He even helped by hosting trials at his home in Jetersville.  Mr. BeLand was proud of his tenure as a Sunday School teacher and had an incredible passion for working with young people of all ages. He enjoyed being a mentor and helping with the schooling, religious training or wherever there was a need. He loved sharing with his own grandchildren, but extended that to all the children of the community. He was quite active with The Monitor’s annual “Christmas Mother’s Program” offering help wherever needed. Mr. BeLand is survived by his wife, Jeannine E. BeLand, his son Allen BeLand,  daughter in law Amanda MacKaye, stepsons Tony and D.J. Lindsey, and wife, Amy; grandchildren: Arlo BeLand, Shane Lindsey, Kyle Lindsey and Heather Lindsey, daughters Lisajo McGee and Kristy BeLand, sister Ginger Nile, niece Tanya Walker.Mr. BeLand was preceded in death by his mom and dad – Stella “Dolly” BeLand and Allen “Pappy” BeLand.  Visitation is today (Thursday, June 16) at Hillsman Hix Funeral Home on Court Street in Amelia Court House from 6 until 8 p.m. Funeral services are at the funeral home Friday (June 17) at 2 p.m.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Amelia County Christmas Mothers’ Program, PO Box 123, Amelia Court House, Va. 23002.  Interment will be private.

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