Christopher "Chris" R. Bellman

Mr. Christopher “Chris” R. Bellman, 68, of Biloxi, MS, died Thursday, July 4, 2024 in Biloxi. 

Chris was a native and lifelong resident of Biloxi, MS. Chris was a quiet man who lived life humbly. He lived and worked in the Biloxi area for over 50 years. Most recently, he worked at the Grand Casino in Biloxi, which was his last place of employment. Chris, affectionately known as PawPaw, loved his family. He most enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play baseball, basketball, softball, dance, ballet, tap, jazz or cheer. If there was an event his kids or grandkids were taking part in, he wouldn’t miss it! As a testament to his family dedication, he coached his kids’ athletic teams for over 10 years. He served as a mentor to many youths in the Biloxi/ D’Iberville area, who to this day, call him “coach.” Chris loved Ole Miss sports! He played football at Ole Miss for 2 years but returned to Biloxi, to start a family. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert “Bob” Bellman; and Ruby and Blackie Creel, Norman and Kenny Creel and Linda Dodson. Survivors include his beloved wife, Dixie Lynn Creel, of 48 years; their 4 children, Bridgett Gehrmann and husband, Glenn Gehrmann, Brad Bellman, Byron Bellman and wife, Lauren Bellman, and Breanna Weaver and husband, Josh Weaver; 9 grandchildren, Glenn Ocean Gehrmann and his fiancé, Sage Barrett, Shelby Lake Gehrmann, Aidan Christopher Bellman, Tristan Thomas Bellman, Kolbie Lane Wright, Ainsley Hays Bellman, Bailee Grace Weaver, Grace Creel Bellman and Abigail Reese Weaver; great grandchild, Scarlett Brooke Gehrmann; his mother, Thelma Bellman; and sister, Mary Plummer and husband, Donnie. Chris loved as his own, niece and nephews, Billy Joe Dodson, Bronwyn James and Brett Dodson. Affectionately known as Pawpaw to his grandchildren and great grandchild, he was their number one fan and he celebrated every one of them. An animal lover at heart, he loved his sweet dog, Petunia and cat, Shakes. 

Together, Chris and Dixie loved to spend their time around family and celebrating the kids and grandkids achievements and lives. Chris was dedicated to his wife and family. As his days passed, Dixie was right by his side, never wavering in support. In the words of Mother Teresa, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” Chris lived that credo every day of his life to ensure his children captured important life virtues like loyalty, dedication, and humility. 

Dixie, along with her children, would like to thank Vital Caring Hospice Services for their unbelievable care and support over Chris’s final days. They would like to thank Tracy, Amber, Lillie, Felicia, Adrian and Barak for their kind compassionate care. They would also like to thank the staff at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX, specifically Dr. James C. Yao and Alicia C. Ross PA-C. Their care for Chris over the past 6 years has been exceptional and they are grateful for their support.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at the Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home. Friends are invited to visit from 9:30 until service time. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Christopher “Chris” R. Bellman.