John Dewell Belknap Sr.

John Dewell Belknap, Sr.

March 6, 1947 - August 9, 2023

John Dewell Belknap, Sr., known to most as J.D. passed away peacefully at Pine Pointe Hospice in Macon, Ga on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. J.D. was 76 years old. A memorial and celebration of his life will be held on Saturday at 12 noon at Maynard Baptist Church, 1195 Juliette Road in Forsyth, Ga. The family will greet friends at 11 a.m. before the celebration of J.D.'s life.

J.D. was born March 6, 1947, in Forsyth to the late John Will Belknap and the late Lillie Mae LaCount Belknap. He is survived by his children, John Belknap, Jr. and Trellis Belknap Grant, son-in-law Keith Grant and grandsons, Jakob Mays Grant and Jordan Grant. He is also survived by two sisters, Jo Ann (Tommy) Moon and Judy Belknap Evans all of Forsyth. He also has several nieces and nephews along with many cousins. In addition to his parents JD was preceded in death by his brother Jerry Belknap.

JD was a 1965 graduate of Mary Persons High School in Forsyth, Ga and continued his studies at Middle Georgia College in Cochran, Ga. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served in Vietnam. He was a member of Maynard Baptist Church in Forsyth

J.D. was a jack of all trades and spent most of his life as a self-employed general contractor. He was heavily involved in starting the first Monroe County Volunteer Fire Department on Montpelier Road. He served as the first fire chief with the help of many qualified and dedicated volunteers. He was also an EMT where he received an award for saving the life of one of the City of Forsyth's employees who had been electrocuted. J.D. also had a love for photography which he passed on to his son John. As his children were growing up, he could be found behind the camera as John and Trellis participated in many different activities. J.D. was involved in helping with many fundraisers and events and volunteering his services in whatever the need might be. He loved his hometown.

In lieu of flowers John and Trellis ask that donations be made in their father's memory to "Wounded Warrior Project" 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. The family may be contacted at the residence of John Belknap, 1826 Dames Ferry Rd., Forsyth, GA 31029.

Monroe County Memorial Chapel, 86 West Main St., Forsyth has charge of the arrangements.