Cecil C. Bell passed away peacefully on Monday, November 12, 2018, at the age of 94, and is in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Cecil was born November 1, 1924, in Pea Ridge, Florida, to Lafayette Barclay Bell and Eva Wade Cope Bell. On June 24, 1966, he married Doris D. Babb, and was the father of three children.
In 1980, after 33 years, Cecil retired from the civil service at Pensacola Naval Air Station. After retirement, he enjoyed farming, raising cattle and goats, and spending time with his family. He became an active member of the Cattlemen’s Association, and named his ranch for his three children, Three Bell’s Ranch. He was a lifelong member of Pea Ridge Church of Christ, and served as song leader for over 60 years. He spent nine years coaching, alongside his friend, and cousin, Paul Hinson, for Pace Athletic & Recreation Association (P.A.R.A.)
Cecil was preceded in death by his parents, Lafayette Barclay Bell and Eva Wade Cope Bell; his brothers, Clarence Bell, Porter Bell, Frederick Bell and Robbie Bell; and by his sisters, Mildred Costello and Laura Mae DeLoria
Cecil is survived by his wife of 52 years, Doris Babb Bell; his children, Michael A. Bell and his wife Salena G. Bell of Pea Ridge, Florida, Cindy “Missy” Butler and her husband John L. Butler, Jr. of Pea Ridge, Florida; and Marcus W. Bell and his wife Heather D. Bell of Mobile, Alabama; his grandchildren, Cecily N. Butler of Pea Ridge, Florida, Tyler Bell and Kaitlyn Bell of Mobile, Alabama, his sister, Evelyn Neal Sharit and her husband Joe Sharit of Pensacola, Florida, and Richard A. Leslie, son of Laura Mae DeLoria; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Public viewing will take place from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 16, 2018, at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel (6405 Hwy. 90 West, Milton, FL 32570).
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 17, 2018, with Preacher Larry Everett officiating.
Burial will follow services in the Strickland Cemetery with Lewis Funeral Home directing. A family gathering will take place immediately after graveside services, at the home of the deceased
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Cecil C. Bell