L. Jay Belford

L. Jay Belford, 89, of Buffalo Cross Roads, Lewisburg, entered into rest on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at home with his family by his side.

He was born December 28, 1936, in New Columbia, a son of the late Lynn G. and Sarada (Hixson) Belford. On February 22, 1957, he married the former Shirley M. Stuck, who survives.

Jay attended Mifflinburg High School.

He worked for 37 years at the Milton Shoe Factory until it closed in 1991 and later retired from Eastern Industries in Winfield.

Jay served in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard's 109th Infantry Unit of Milton, retiring in January of 1977 after 22 years as a Sergeant First Class.

He was a life member of the Kreamer Sportsmen's Club and a member of the Union County Sportsmen's Club, Weikert, Mifflinburg Moose Lodge #1396, Mifflinburg Masonic Lodge #370 F&AM, and the Sabre Club of the Milton National Guard.

Jay enjoyed hunting deer and other big game with his sons-in-law, grandsons, great-grandchildren, nephews, and great-nephews. He hunted in Pennsylvania, New York, Wyoming, Colorado, Indiana, and Illinois. Jay also enjoyed watching the Philadelphia Phillies.

His hobbies included repairing small engines on lawn mowers and woodworking.

After retirement, Jay enjoyed spending time with his great grandchildren, who knew him as Pappy Jay.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 69 years, are two daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda and Robert Kurtz of Mifflinburg, and Lori and Kevin Eberhart of Lewisburg; five grandsons and their spouses, Shane and Heather (Ranck) Kurtz, Seth and Jodi (Moist) Kurtz, John and Erin (Difenbach) Kurtz, Dustin Eberhart and his significant other Emily Barben, and Dakota Eberhart; seven great grandchildren, Clayton, Colton, Cash, Lucas, Rhyann, Jaylyn, and Riley Kurtz; sisters-in-law, Doris Belford of Lewisburg, Bessie and David Hetzendorf of Northumberland, and Shirley and Steve Osenga of Richfield; brother-in-law, Dallas and Debbie Stuck of West Springfield, Massachusetts; and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

He was preceded in death by grandson, Wayne J. Kurtz, at birth; brother, Lee "Buck" Belford; sister and brother-in-law, Romona (Belford) and Cloyd Walter; brother-in-law, Harry "Bud" Stuck; and sister and brother-in-law, Mary (Stuck) Bailey and Donald E. Bailey.

Family and friends are welcome to a time of visitation from 10 to noon, Saturday, July 25, at Roupp Funeral Home, Inc., 8594 Old Turnpike Road, Mifflinburg, where the funeral will be conducted at noon, with Rev. Ricky Phillips, officiating.

Burial will be in Mazeppa Union Cemetery, with military honors accorded by American Legion Post 410 and VFW Post 1964, both of Mifflinburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Wellspan Hospice, 235 Hospital Dr., Lewisburg, PA 17837.

Leave your condolences online at www.rouppfuneralhome.com.