William Fredrick Bellam, 84 , of Columbia City, died peacefully at his home at 11:05 p.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021.

Born February 5, 1937, in Huntington, Indiana, he was a son of the late Fred B. and Marian (Lind) Bellam. He graduated from South Side High School in Fort Wayne in 1954.

On July 13, 1954, he entered the U.S. Marine Corps. He became a motor transportation/stockman specialist, and he was honorably discharged on July 12, 1957.

Attending trade school at General Telephone Company, he became a cable splicing expert in their cable department for 37 years retiring in 1995 with notably perfect attendance.

On June 5, 1964, he married Alta Ann "Ginger" Houser. They made their first home in Fort Wayne, moving to Columbia City in 1981.

He enjoyed being outdoors riding his motorcycle or boating in the summer months in his younger years. He liked to read, especially the history of WWII, becoming an expert on the subject. He also was interested in steam locomotives, studying their history and inner working. He was always a family man, he adored his grandchildren and spent time with them. In season, he followed the Green Bay Packers.

Surviving is his wife, "Ginger", son, John (Linda) Bellam of Columbia City; granddaughters, Brittany R. (Pat) Davis, Bridget R. (Scott) Moore and Stacie N. (Kyle) Fillman; great-grandson, Moses John "Moss" Fillman; great-granddaughter, Willow June "Willie" Fillman and great-grandson, Charlie "Charleston" William Moore; sister, Linda S. Arven of Fort Wayne and brother, Richard J. (Gina) Bellam of Angola.

He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Victor Arven.

The funeral service is 2 p.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the South Park Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation is 12 Noon until the service Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials are to Compassion International.