FORMER COMMISSIONER DEBELLIS DIES

Former Insurance Commissioner Michael “Mickey” DeBellis died in Greenville, Ala., on Nov. 15. He was 77.

DeBellis was commissioner under Governors George C. Wallace and Fob James. He was well-known for his advocacy for the legislation requiring insurance providers to take continuing education courses. DeBellis joined the DOI in 1973, working as an investigator, consumer specialist, legislative affairs director, deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner. In 1986, Gov. Wallace appointed DeBellis as commissioner and he served a year until the end of Wallace’s administration in 1987. DeBellis stepped down, working elsewhere in DOI until appointed again by Gov. James. He served only three years, and left the office on his 70th birthday. Until 1998, he was a senior adviser to the insurance commissioner.

DeBellis is survived by his wife Sue and daughter Susan. Funeral arrangements, which are being coordinated by Dunklin-Herndon Funeral Home in Greenville, had yet to be completed at press time.