Herman Belton, Sr.

Mr. Herman Belton was born to the late Alfreda Belton of Camden, South Carolina, on September 5, 1949. Herman received his education in the school system of Kershaw County. He was a graduate of Jackson High School, Class of 1967. 

Herman was married to the late Lelia D. Belton and to that union one son was born Herman D. Belton Jr. 

He was raised in the church and found his Lord and Savior at Gaines Baptist Church.  He was a hard worker and was employed at Dupont before he moved north.  Grits as he was known in the Kirkwood Community, would always have time for a pick up game of basketball with the guys after a hard day of work.  Hoop loved the community and was well liked.

He was a joyous person and had an outgoing spirit.  Meeting Herman was meeting a friend you never had.  He was the life of the party.  Nothing made him more proud than talking about his son’s coaching career and his granddaughter’s academics accomplishments.  

He moved to New York to pursue another career. That's where he fell in love with driving big trucks. While pursuing a truck driving career, he was fortunate to land a job with the New York Racing Association.  Smiley was known for getting the horses to where they are supposed to be.  While driving for the New York Racing Association,  he would mention that he has taken twelve Kentucky Derby winners and fourteen Belmont Stakes winners to the truck.

Herman was preceded in death by two siblings, Alex Belton and Sara Parsons.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his son, Herman Belton, Jr.; his granddaughter, Imani T. Belton; two siblings, June Taylor of Detroit, MI and Freddie Belton of Camden, SC and a host of nieces, nephews, otheer relatives, friends and Kirkwood community members.

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