George Warren Belt—a banker, businessman, athlete, poker player, author, grandfather, and father passed away on Thursday, May 13th of 2021 at Baylor Scott and White hospital in Dallas, Texas. He was surrounded by family and went peacefully at the age of 85.
George was born on January 15, 1936 to Osborne and Rosabel Belt in Watsonville, California. He was raised in St. James, Missouri. An adventurous and charismatic soul from the start, he participated in multiple events which established his wide-ranging interests and athletic ability.
George served in the Air Force both in the United States and overseas, amongst his other duties, played basketball for the Air Force team. His athleticism also carried into baseball where he played in the first-ever televised baseball game in England. In his professional life, George was a well respected lender who worked for Citicorp and Home Savings as Senior Vice President. He later founded and operated his own mortgage company, Pace Mortgage, before retiring as an investor and owner of real estate in Midland. George was an avid poker player, Texas Hold’em was his particular specialty. He loved the sport so much that he wrote, A Bad Beat, a novel that revolves around the life of a former banker that quits the successful world of finance to become a full-time poker player.
Amongst many other qualities, he was funny, stubborn, honest, kind, loving, sympathetic, and had an uncanny ability for debate. The combination of these attributes were uniquely George, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He lived an amazing and exceptional life that was driven by his passions.
George is survived by his wife, Aily; three children, Lisa, Mike, and Lily; brother, Jerry; and three grandchildren, Dallas, Emma, and Liam. He is preceded in death by both Osborne and Rosabel Belt.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
