Michael Wayne Belcher

Michael Wayne Belcher was born October 3, 1970. He was adopted by Ted and Nancy Belcher when he was a few months old. He was a beautiful, sweet child and the entire family fell in love with him right away. He was spoiled from the start with everyone lavishing attention upon him.

After several months it became apparent that Michael was not developing as he should and he couldn't do things that other babies his age could do. He couldn't grasp and hold onto his Mother's finger and he couldn't roll over or sit up. Nancy and Ted took him to a doctor and were informed that Michael had cerebral palsy. Everyone was shocked and alarmed by this turn of events and begin to try to learn about cerebral palsy and adjust to the reality that changed Ted and Nancy's lives forever. Ted once made the comment later on that he always dreamed of driving his truck with Michael standing on the seat beside him. Sadly for them both that was never to be.

When Nancy and Ted picked Michael up from the adoption agency he had a bruise on the entire side of his face. The foster parents had said that he ran into a door. He was not born with cerebral palsy.

For a short time Michael attended public school but eventually dropped out. He loved movies and would set up late at night and watch them while Nancy sat on the couch with him. He also loved to be entertained by family members who would spoil him. Aunt Harriette was always helpful with him and so was Grandma Joines up until she became sick and could no longer care for him.

Michael's greatest love was for Elvis Presley. His cousin Charles' wife, Gladys Hodge, sewed Elvis jumpsuits for Michael and he loved to wear them. They looked just like what Elvis used to wear and Gladys patiently sewed on hundreds of sequins to the outfits that included the famous capes. Michael would dress up and hand out candy to children at Halloween.

He also loved the Hardee's breakfast menu and every morning Nancy would pick up his breakfast of sausage, egg biscuits and gravy.

He became ill for the last time and was rushed by his parents to Sweetwater Hospital where he passed away on October 6, 1999. It was so sudden that everyone was left in shock and his parents were literally plunged into grief and depression that lasted for several years. He was buried in one of the Elvis jumpsuits that he loved so much. He was a sweet person and is missed by our family. We want his photos and story posted here so that future generations will know of him and remember him because he deserves to be remembered.

He is buried in McClellan Cemetery.