ASHLAND — Russell “Rusty” Bellomy was a man of God.
He defined himself by God’s love and his work to build God’s Kingdom.
On Wednesday, his family will celebrate his faith and the legacy he leaves at a memorial service at Ashland First Church of the Nazarene. Bellomy, 71, was killed Friday night in a motorcycle accident.
In a time of tragedy and loss, his unshakable faith in God and the certainty that he is in heaven with his creator calls for the celebration of his life, not its mourning, said his daughter, Susan Thirion of Clermont, Fla.
“My father had a very strong faith in God and everything he was was because of God, his whole purpose in being was God,” she said. “Dad just had a love of God and a love of his family that just came through in everything he did. He was the most honorable and most loving, forgiving, fair man I’ve ever known. Everything he did was for that very purpose. His faith was just unbelievable and unshakable.”
Ashland First Church of the Nazarene Pastor Steve Ruby described Bellomy as “just a very down to earth, real person.
“Who he was here was who he was out in the community,” he said. “In terms of his involvement in the church, he was into everything and a friend to everyone. If something had to be done, Rusty was here to do it.
“Anytime he was asked to be involved in something he was more than willing to step up to the plate and offer himself and his service to the church and ultimately to the Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Bellomy’s faith translated to a passion for mission work. For the most recent 29 years of his life, he was dedicated to Eastern Kentucky Work and Witness, participating in more than 30 work and witness trips across the globe. He served as director of the organization for 11 years.
A mechanic who worked for 39 years at AK Steel’s roundhouse, Bellomy made his mission work a physical expression of his faith.
“Rusty was a man who loved to work with his hands, so working with his hands was a way of using what God had given him to extend the mission of Christ both here and around the world,” Ruby said.
Thirion said she has no doubt her father touched many lives, including those of his family.
“Dad had a way of making each and every one of us feel special and loved. We all felt like we were closest (to him). His love was beyond all measure, he will be so missed,” she said. “We loved him very much. He’s going to be missed. It just leaves a big hole in our hearts and our minds.”
CARRIE KIRSCHNER can be reached at ckirschner@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.
Local News
Bellomy remembered as a strong Christian
- Local News
-
-
Business touts better living
Yvette Pennington is a true believer in the power of living better as we live longer.
-
Police beat: 2/9/12
The following information was taken from Ashland Police Department reports:
-
Safe Harbor benefits from Shop and Share Day
Shop and Share Day brought a record number of donations to Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky.
-
Local briefs: 2/9/12
For the fifth year in a row, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has given the Southern Ohio Medical Center Cancer Center funding to support the Hands of Hope grant program.
-
Judge's ruling paralyzes General Assembly
Confusion reigns in the wake a judge’s ruling that state redistricting maps passed by the General Assembly are unconstitutional. That ruling says until the legislature offers a plan which meets constitutional muster, 2012 candidates for the legislature must run in the districts drawn 10 years ago.
-
10 most romantic hotels in the U.S.
Valentine’s Day will be here soon, and a romantic getaway may be just what the heart needs. TripAdvisor has released its list of the 10 most romantic hotels in the country, based on travelers’ reviews about the beautiful scenery, friendly staffs and romantic amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
-
Search for new ACTC president to begin soon
A national search will begin soon to replace Ashland Community and Technical College President Gregory D. Adkins, who is retiring.
-
Red Tails recommended
With sincere appreciation to their hosts, local military veterans whose service spanned World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan gathered at Kyova 10 Theatre late Tuesday afternoon for a screening of the film “Red Tails.”
-
More updates coming to Boyd jail
While a nonfunctional fire alarm system has been fixed, the Boyd County Detention Center is now dealing with problems in another of its security systems.
-
APD probes early morning stabbing
Ashland police are investigating a stabbing in the area of 30th Street and Greenup Avenue early Tuesday morning.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Business touts better living
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
