Gene O. Bell

GENE O’FIELD BELL passed to his eternal home on Friday, October 3.  With his family by his side, his struggle ended amid tributes of stories told many times before.  Those that knew Gene benefited through the years from his sharing of interesting memoirs accompanied with hand gestures, animated facial expressions, and his infectious smile.

Born on the brink of the Great Depression, he was the oldest son of Richard O. and Syble Arthur Bell.  In the rural town of Richlands, North Carolina, the tough times forged his distinctive, optimistic outlook.   He enjoyed sports and excelled on his High School basketball team from 1944 -1947.  After graduating, he joined the Air Force.  His tour of duty included stations in Georgia, Texas, and Japan.

Not long after leaving the Service, he married Virginia Brock of Richlands in 1952.  Blessed with four children, Gene and “Ginny” moved from Kinston, North Carolina to the colder climate of Dover, Delaware following job opportunities.  In 1968, they came to rest on Fairview Extension in Havelock where Gene worked for NARF at Cherry Point Marine Corps Base.  After 22 years of marriage, the couple parted ways.

Gene coached softball while his daughters attended school, but continued to volunteer his time until 1994.  He faithfully followed ACC basketball and pulled for the Tarheels.  In town, he continued to attend the Havelock High Ram’s football games and showed pride by wearing a baseball cap and jacket bearing the school logo.

He married Mary Lou Temple Bell on March 30, 1985.  During their 29 happy years together, the two played active roles in the First United Methodist Church of Havelock and enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. Gene’s passing closes his chapter as guiding patriarch of the Bell family.

In addition to his wife, Mary Lou, and progeny, he leaves behind his brother, Arthur Ray Bell of Richlands.  The legacy of Gene’s selfless, “do-the-right-thing” mantra resonates for his children and their children:  Gene Bell, Jr. (Vanda Sue Diffee) of Gastonia, Richard “Mack” Bell (Becky Fish) of Wake Forest, Lisa Spence (Mike) of Wake Forest, and Jenny Corbett (Christopher) of Sims, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive visitors 5:30-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at First United Methodist Church in Havelock.  A memorial service will be held at the church at 7:00 pm Wednesday conducted by Pastor Bill Boykin and Pastor Eldrick Davis.  A private graveside service will be held on Thursday at the Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery In Jacksonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation or the First Methodist Church of Havelock’s Building Fund.

The family wishes to extend gratitude to the staffs of Vidant Hospital in Greenville, Vidant Hospice, and Life Care of Rocky Mount for their support, care and comfort.

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