Kenneth W. Bellis, Jr. held several different jobs during his lifetime, but for those who own horses he’ll always be remember as a farrier and a horseman. Born December 30, 1954 in Sayre, PA, he graduated from Tioga Central School in Nichols, NY. He was a member of the Twin Tiers Riding Club and the Tioga County Saddle Club. For a time, he worked in Rodeos as a pick-up man and enjoyed team penning. He worked as a farrier for 20 years and traveled as far as Tennessee to shoe horses. He enjoyed attending the Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio.
Kenny passed away suddenly, without warning on July 16, 2013. Funeral services were held July 22, 2013 at Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory in Mansfield, PA. After Kenny’s death, his son, Kenny “Buddy” Bellis, and daughter-in-law, Dawn, planned and organized a memorial trail ride in honor of they’re father. The ride took place on a hazy morning; October 27, 2013. Twenty-three riders gathered with their horses at Rising Hope Farm, had breakfast and then headed out on the trail for a couple of hours in honor of Kenneth W. Bellis, Jr. The riders followed a wooded trail under a sky that looked like rain but only a few drops fell. Kenny will be missed and always remembered by friends and family.
The Cowboy Prayer (unknown author)
Let me tell you folks
Who have gathered here today
That I’m a proud and thankful cowboy
Who has just passed away,
I know it’s hard,
But please don’t cry,
For I’m now riding God’s trails
High up in the sky.
The horse I’m riding now
Doesn’t spook, buck or kick
For God stables perfect horses
And now I have my pick.
Lord, please forgive me all of my sins
For I haven’t been perfect
But I know that he that believes in You
Forever wins!
I have lived a good life
A cowboy’s dream come true!
Thank you, Lord.
For now I’m ready to ride into eternity
Me, my horse, and You.