Obituary of Bennie Belle Jr.

Bennie Belle, Jr., born on March 25, 1954, in the heart of South Philadelphia, was a man whose presence filled every room with warmth, laughter, and a larger-than-life spirit. He was the only son of Bennie Belle, Sr. and Eula Doris Belle, a boy raised among strong women, who grew into a man of equal strength, devotion, and unwavering generosity. Knowing Christ as his Lord and Savior, he was called Home on March 26, 2025. A true South Philly native, Bennie’s roots ran deep in the city that shaped him. He attended Benson Elementary, Vare Junior High, and Bartram High School, where he graduated in 1971. On the football field, he was a force to be reckoned with as a defensive tackle, playing with the same determination and heart that he carried into every aspect of his life. Bennie’s true calling began long before high school. At just 12 years old, he stepped into his father’s barbershop, too small to reach the chair without a stepping stool but already brimming with talent and ambition. By 14, he was a formal apprentice, and by 17, he earned his barber’s license, becoming a master barber—a title he would uphold with pride for decades. Beyond the barber’s chair, Bennie was a man of many passions. He found joy in jazz, movies, fishing and the simple pleasure of a well-cooked meal—especially seafood. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and coins. An avid bowler in his younger years and a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan, he never missed an Eagles game. He had a knack for storytelling, a laugh that could lift any spirit, and a gift for making strangers feel like old friends. Cards, games, and a well-played prank were all part of his charm. A pillar of his community, Bennie not only mentored young barbers but also took care of those in need. He continued trimming hair for seniors long after they could no longer visit the shop and prepared customers for their final journey with dignity and care. After a lifetime of dedication, Bennie retired from the barbershop in 2020, leaving behind not just a career but a legacy of love, service, and unforgettable memories. Bennie Belle, Jr. was a protector, a provider, and a man whose heart was as big as his laughter. Though his chair may now be empty, his presence will forever be felt in the stories, smiles, and spirits of those who knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Sylvia Belle; his children, Tanya “Tootsie” Belle, Leander “Duke” Upperman, Tamara “Kee-Kee” Thompson, Bennie “Moochie” Belle III, and Richelle “Shorty” Yousaf (Sanwal); 18 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 aunt, Geneva Jackson; his sisters Jacquelyn Moore (Gregory), Gwendolyn Belle-Scott (Raymond), Sharilyn Clark (Reginald, d.2016); nieces, Tameka “Tammy” Ross, Kwesa “Pint” Moore, Danica “Nikki” Moore, Danielle “Dada” Ross, Samiha “Miha” Hadeed-Moore, and Kamryn “Kam” Chappelle; nephews, Reginald “Roe Roe” Clark Jr., Avery “Eubie” Clark, Daniel “Dan the Man” Ross , Dashawn “Pooh” Howard, Asad “Sadi” Hadeed-Moore, and Salim “Leemy” Hadeed-Moore; and a host of family and friends. To View Obituary Copy Link Below https://heyzine.com/flip-book/c29c6e6e68.html