Mr. George Wesly Belle

George Wesley Belle was born July 8, 1942 in Fairfield, Alabama to Square and Laura Bell. He had six brothers and four sisters. He confessed and accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the New Bethlehem Baptist Church, in Dolomite, Alabama, where he was a member for over 50 years and served as a deacon and choir member. He later became a member of the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Educationally, George attended Westfield High School where he graduated with honors. After graduating, he furthered his education by attending Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama. He continued his journey in education by attending Monte Valley University in Alabama, where he received his B.A. degree in Education. He then studied in New York City, New York and received his Master's degree in English and French. He then was sent to France to further his education in French. He began his career in the mid-1960's in the state of Mississippi. A year after his first teaching job in Mississippi, he obtained a teaching position in the Jefferson County School System in Birmingham, Alabama where he taught high school English and French and was a senior advisor for graduates concerning the senior yearbook, graduation eligibility and graduation ceremonies, for over 20 years, while studying for his Ph.D. Later, he became an assistant principal and worked in that capacity for over ten years. After retiring from the Jefferson County School System, George, accepted a position at Miles College, as a English and French professor and concluded his stay there as a career guidance counselor, after 14 years of service. During his years of teaching George, received numerous awards and honors. He traveled around the world extensively and he took yearly trips to France with students of his French classes for summer retreats. George was always active in civil and social rights movements. During the 1960's, as a college student, he participated in the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham, where he joined with other students in sit-ins, marches and was jailed for his protesting in civil rights for all. George was known for being an outstanding bass singer and sang with the "famed gospel choir" the Carlton Reese Singers. He was a much sought after soloist through the state of Alabama. During his younger years, George coordinated a successful beauty pageant, when black women were barred from participating in city and state pageants. He coordinated numerous social parties and functions. George, always encouraged his family members to seek higher education and he was a role model to all of his nieces and nephews.

Mr. George Wesly Belle

July 8, 1942 - July 11, 2013