Mark Donald Belk

Born in Monroe, NC to the late Mark D. and Susie Aycoth Belk, Don was a longtime resident of the area. He was a veteran of WWII, having proudly served his country with the US Navy. Upon his return from service, Don attended Wingate College and NC State University. He had a long career as an educator in what is now the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system and was loved and respected by his students. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, he was also a friend to all who knew him. Don was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying his hunting dogs and fishing our area lakes.

Always an ardent steward and active member of his community and proverbial jack-of-all-trades, Don served this area on many fronts over the years, from teaching vocational trades at the Matthews Junior High School to performing veterinary duties for local farmers. In the early 1960’s, he facilitated the start of a local cannery in the Pineville area. In the 1970’s, he helped to manage the old Matthews Community Pool affectionately known as the Matthews Country Club.

He is survived by his wife Sylvia; his brother Ray and sister-in-law Sherry; his daughter and son-in-law Libby and Steve Jackson; grandchildren Ashley, Kathryn, and Wesley. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gene, and sisters, Melvie Nash, Polly Marlowe, and Margaret Weisbrook.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 pm on Monday, November 27, 2023, at Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 South Trade Street, Matthews, NC 28105 with a Church Service to follow. Graveside service will be conducted immediately afterward at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3700 Forest Lawn Drive, Matthews, NC 28104.

The family wishes to recognize the staff at Sunrise on Providence for their dedication to excellence in caregiving and thank them for their love and support these last seven months. Mr. Belk loved flowers, but optionally, please consider a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or Matthews United Methodist Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.