Roy Neal Bell, Jr.

As we retrace the footprints of Roy Neal Bell, Jr. we can only give thanks for the many lives he enriched along life’s journey. A strong and humble man, he was blessed to enjoy many of God’s blessings as a son, a brother, husband, and a father. Roy began his journey of life on September 25, 1924 in Burtsell, Arkansas, as the son of Roy, Sr. He accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at a young age. He attended Peake High School where he excelled as a student and athlete. On January 22, 1944 he enlisted into the United States Navy. During his tour of duty he received the American Area Campaign Medal and the World War II Victor Medal. On August 25, 1944, he married the beautiful Dorothy Reid. He and his one true love together laid a solid foundation for family life based on love, commitment, and Christian values. They later became proud parents of eight children. He was that warm hand on a cold morning; that voice of wisdom and reason when the world was upside-down; that vessel of hope that carried loved ones and friends safely across rivers of change in their lives. Throughout the years he worked various jobs. He finally landed a job with the United Postal Service in Chicago, Illinois and after 35 years of service he retired as supervisor of the vehicle department. In 1990, the Bell’s moved to Curtis, Arkansas and built their dream retirement home. In 1987, Mr. & Mrs. Bell celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married nearly 65 years. They united with the St. Ruth Baptist Church in Gum Springs, Arkansas under the pastorate of Rev. C. G. Thomas where he served as a trustee and assisted with Sunday school. In his 85th season of life, Roy received his blessing of immortality on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. He was welcomed home by his parents, two children, Carrie Bell Dudley, and Essie Robertson; one sister, Madgie Washington, brother, Albert Reed and his beloved Dorothy who made her transition on May 17, 2009. He leaves to celebrate and honor his life’s journey: six children, Royce Brown of Curtis, AR, Georgia (Ronald) Benjamin of Chicago, IL, Roy Bell, III., of Moreno Valley, CA, Louise Bell of Pasadena, CA, Patricia Bell of Moreno Valley, CA, and Dorothy Bell of Chicago Heights, IL; twenty-five grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; two sisters, Carolyn (Quedell) Cochran of Matteson, IL, Mae Fields of Los Angeles, CA; two brothers, William Bell of CHicago, IL, and Perry (Earlene)Bell of Orlando, FL. He also leaves a three special nieces whom were cherished as daughters, Dorothy Gregory, Sharon Washington, Alfreda Redd; nephews, cousins, friends, and the St. Ruth Baptist Church family. Mr. Bell will lie in state at Williams Funeral Home on Friday, June 11, 2010 from 12 noon until 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of St. Ruth Baptist Church where Rev. Thomas Hale is the pastor and will preach the celebration message. The committal service and final resting place will be in St. Clair Burtsell Cemetery.