Belafonte Key, better known as “Fonz”, was born on April 26, 1960, to the late James W. Key Sr. and Gussie L. Hunter. Belafonte was called home to eternal rest on March 6, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and love.
He was a graduate of Western Branch High School. After graduating, he joined the United States Army. After four years of military service, he decided to become a Truck Driver, where he worked for several companies throughout the years to include being self employed as a Truck Driver. Fonz was a devout member of Bethany Baptist Church in Chesapeake where he served as a Trustee, a Deacon, Usher, and a member of the Men’s Choir for several years. He was an enthusiastic football supporter becoming a devoted Dallas Cowboy fan. He spent many conversations debating to everyone the Cowboys’ so-called greatness throughout the years. Aside from watching his Cowboys, his other passions were watching NASCAR after church service and cooking. He often called his siblings and close friends to the house whenever he cooked one of his special meals, especially his “Crab Cakes”.
Belafonte is predeceased by his parents William B. and Gussie L. Hunter and his two sisters Ramona Brown and Delphine White. He leaves to cherish his fond memories his five children, Shenine Brooks, Dimitri Baines, Marcus Key, James Allen, and Michael Key; his siblings Linda Bell, Michelle Parker, James Key, Douglas Key, Angela Bennett, and Thomas Hunter, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Belafonte’s life was a testament to his strong character, his faith and his unwavering commitment to the Lord.
Condolences(6)-
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Tanya B Taylor says
March 8, 2024 at 10:47 amSincerest condolences family on losing a king, Belafonte Key. Gonna miss him. Part of my Bethany family. Michael, do your dad proud son.
Tanya Taylor says
March 8, 2024 at 10:47 amSincerest condolences family on losing a king, Belafonte Key. Gonna miss him. Part of my Bethany family. Michael, do your dad proud son.
Tonya Yvette Bradley says
March 8, 2024 at 11:23 amMy deepest condolences to your family – I am so sorry for your loss –
Gina Thomas says
March 14, 2024 at 8:56 pm“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” To God ☝🏽 be the Glory for a life well lived.🙌🏾 He loved ❤💯the Lord and often shared the gospel with others. He is where there is no hurt, pain and cares of this life. 😇🤗Everyday is Sunday, rest my friend. ✌🏽Job well done 🕊. 😘😘😘
Gina Thomas says
March 14, 2024 at 9:02 pm“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” To God ☝🏽 be the Glory for a life well lived.🙌🏾 He loved ❤💯the Lord and often shared the gospel with others. He is where there is no hurt, pain, cares of this life is over and😇🤗Everyday is Sunday. Rest my 4ever friend. ✌🏽Job well done 🕊. 😘😘😘
Pete Barner says
March 16, 2024 at 9:44 amMy condolences to the family. Belafonte Key was my 1st friend I met in Elementary School (Douglass Park). We both were in Ms. Mary class for the first grade in 1966. I was blessed to run into him in 2022 in south side off of Lincoln Street where he worked. We embraced and talked about the old days, our football teams and thanked God for his Grace. He will be missed. Pete Barner, a friend for ever.