William Newton Bellamy died on May 12, 2025.
Born on Sept. 26, 1943, to Jess Dee Bellamy and Helen Spence Bellamy, Bill lived a life defined by service, wit and a true love of the outdoors.
A proud Longhorn alumnus and U.S. Air Force veteran, Bill cherished his time in nature. Whether he was leading scuba dives in Cozumel or working cattle on the McKinney Ranch in Delmita, Texas, his appreciation for God’s creation was undeniable.
With both parents respected schoolteachers in Lampasas, Bill came up with his own version of the “Three R’s”: Ranching, Rover and Rocks. Ranching wasn’t just a way of life — it was home. Rover referred to all the loyal dogs that never left his side — we’re pretty sure he liked them better than most people. The Rocks? He had a lifelong curiosity for geology, collecting stones wherever he went — and he never turned down a good scotch served over a couple of them, either.
An avid hunter and lifelong outdoorsman, Bill never stopped researching the land, the wildlife and the world around him. His life was one of quiet wonder, steady learning, and deep connection to the places and creatures he loved.
Those who grew up alongside him would say he had a sharp aim, a quicker wit and an uncanny ability to talk his way out of just about anything. His heart was rooted in Jesus, but that didn’t stop him from collecting a lifetime’s worth of stories – some saintly, some sideways, and all worth retelling.
Bill is survived by his wife, Dana; daughter, Brenda Marafioto and her husband, Kevin; grandchildren Chase McKinney Marafioto and Rylie Grace Marafioto; brother, Robert “Bob” Bellamy; and a wide circle of extended family.
Visitation is May 29 at 1 p.m., with a celebration of life service at 2 p.m., at Porter Loring North Funeral Chapel, in San Antonio.
