Dorothy & Samuel JW Bell's Obituary
Dorothy Patience McLeod Bell, age 86, and Samuel JW Bell, age 98, went to be with their Lord together on November 20, 2018 after over 60 years of endearing marriage. Dot was born March 31, 1932 in Quitman, MS. She was one of eleven children. She grew up on a family farm where she learned the value of hard work and was nurtured in a Christian family. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi and was a school teacher in Enterprise, MS. JW was born August 24, 1920 in Blue Springs, MS. He graduated from high school in Aliceville, AL and later attended Draughon’s Business College. As a sergeant in the U.S. Army, JW served in the artillery in the Italian Theater during World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star for combat bravery. In 1965, they moved from Jackson, MS to Memphis, TN. JW started Bell Drayage Truck Line and later expanded and served as president of Bell Cartage and Patterson Warehouses, which continues today as one of the oldest operating businesses in Memphis. JW was an avid golfer and enjoyed many hours of fellowship after his retirement with his friends at TPC Southwind. He served as an elder at both Central Church and First Evangelical Church. He was a founding board member of Evangelical Christian School and also served on the board of Crichton College and Ministry to Men. Dot served as a leader for Bible Study Fellowship and Community Bible Study. She volunteered with many community service organizations and service groups with First Evangelical Church, including Ministry to the Sick and He Cares. Dot and JW are survived by their children, Sandra Bell Fly (Buzz) and Sammy Bell (Angie); and grandchildren, Stephen Fly (Chelsea), Jonathan Fly, Byron Bell, and Nathan Bell (Elizabeth). Dot is also survived by her siblings, Margaret Rhodes, Thomas McLeod, and Wiley McLeod (Liz). The family will receive friends 2-5 p.m., Sunday, November 25 and funeral services celebrating their homegoing will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, November 26 at First Evangelical Church. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests memorial donations be sent to First Evangelical Church and Christ Community Church. Their tribute slideshow may be viewed here: Dorothy & Samuel JW Bell Tribute Slideshow Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
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