Herbert William Bell, Sr.

Herbert William Bell, Sr., was born into this life of March 8, 1952 in Beirne, Arkansas to the union of Uthel Bell and Bessie Mae Sanders Bell. He was the 3rd child of 15 born to this union. Growing up in a large family he was taught that a family should always stick together. He attended Bell High School and was a member of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church where Rev. William Colbert is the pastor. He was commonly known as “Bell” and everybody knew him. He had a friendly approach and down to earth personality. Herbert married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jean Beasley. Their union produced four children Rose, Herbert, Jr., Monica and Sam. Although their marriage would end, they remained close friends. He was a loving father who desired the best for his family and children. He was a former employee of International Paper Company and worked on the green end. Bell enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a serious dominoes player while being witty and keeping the game interesting. He always kept a buckeye in his pocket for good luck, even up until his passing. His most memorable moments were made when he played basketball with his grandsons. On December 15, 1990, he married Janice Sims and their union created a blended family of eight children and twenty-five grandchildren. He departed this earthly journey on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at UAMS in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by parents and five siblings. Great times and good memories will be cherished by: his wife, Janice Sims Bell; his children, Rose Bell, Herbert W. Bell, Jr., (LaShiro), Monica Bell (Robert McDore) and Sam Bell (Tracy) all of Gurdon, AR; 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, as well as, Crystal Sims of Hot Springs, AR, Brandon Sims (Glenda) of Hot Springs, AR, Reginald Sims (Stephanie) of Pearcy, AR and Dextra Sims of Hot Springs all whom he cherished as his own children; his siblings, Bessie L. Rogers, Shirley M. Loving, Joyce M. Brown, Sammy L. Bell, Annie Mary Thomas, Barbara Ann Smith, Andy Bell (Sharon), Randy Bell and Ruby Gatlin all of Gurdon, AR and Jean Young of Arkadelphia, AR. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, many cousins; a special friend, Charlie Smith and other friends who will miss him dearly. Public visitation will be Friday, January 26, 2018 from 12 noon until 7:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church with Rev. Rufus Hatley, eulogist. Interment will be at Shady Grove Cemetery in Beirne, Arkansas.