Joe Henry Bell, Jr.

Joe Henry Bell, Jr. was born on June 6, 1956, to the late Joe H., Sr. and Ella M. Bell, in Gary, Indiana. He was the third of four children. Joe's endearing smile was always accompanied by a slight tilt of his head. He was a typical boy amongst his three sisters. His inquisitive nature resulted in many dismantled toys that he always thought he could put back together. As a youth, Joe was a member of the Boys Scouts of America and the Boys Club of North West Indiana. This is where his talent as an artist blossomed into oils, watercolors, and pastels that hung on the walls of family members' homes. One of Joes' most cherished times was helping his left-handed "Granny", Emma Catherine, improved her writing skills, because he too was "South Paw". While attending Froebel School the coronet was his instrument of choice. Joe was also among the first Black boys to be recruited as paperboys to serve our community. As a sophomore at Horace Mann High school, Joe gained a position on the Varsity Football Team, but a knee injury on the Varsity Football Team, but a knee injury ended his career in sports. The Reserve Officers Training Corps (R.O.T.C.) became the lucky recipients of his energy and character. Joe graduated from high school in 1974. Thus, began his career in the United States Army. Joe's first 10 years in, he worked in Army Finance. After wanting more excitement and adventure, he changed his Military Occupational Specialty (M.O.S>0 to become an Infantry man. In March 1988, Joe met the love of his life, Mary. Joe applied to and was accepted to attend the Drill Sergeant's Academy and his future bride had just been selected also. By October 1988, Joe had married his soul mate and established their homestead in New Kent, VA. In the early 1990's he was added to the Church of Christ in Richmond, VA. Joe retired from the Army in 1944 with 20 years of Honorable Service. Joe's dream was realized in 1988 when God added to his family a son, Terrell. Joe attended Rappahannock Community College and graduated with three Associate Degrees with honors and two certificates. In 2001 Joe's health took a drastic turn causing him to have major surgery. Joe being a soldier he was fought on courageously and valiantly, for 19 years and 8 months more. The Lord called his soul home on November 25, 2021. Joe was preceded in death by his beloved parents; two nieces, Kenyadda M. Patterson and Akorfa Y. Jackson; stepsister, JoAnn Johnson. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory,devoted wife, Mary of New Kent; son, Terrell O'Bryan Bell of Richmond, VA., mother-in-law, Richie Frazier of Troy, AL.; goddaughter Rayshema Challwell (Roosel) of McClenny, FL; sisters, JoAnne Jackson of Gary, IN, and Antoinette Brady (Tommy) of Cordova, TN. and Natalie Bell of Gary, IN; brother-in-law, James D. McSwain (Vernice) of Smiths, AL; stepmother. Margaret Bell of Sikeston, MO; stepsisters, Pamela Page Boykins (Billy) of Cincinnati, OH and Donna Hollies of St Paul, MN; stepbrother, Ronald Hollies (Anita) of Sikeston, MO; uncles, Walter Bell of Gary, IN and James Jackson (Bertha) of Hephzibah, GA; aunts, Ruthie Stewart of Gary, IN and Betty Gardener of Atlanta, GA); a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; special friends, Thaddis Jackson of Chicago, IL, Alfonzo Tuggle of Hampton, VA, Barbara Johnson of Richmond, VA, Terry Mason (Tina) of New Kent, VA, Trapper Brandenburger (Andrea) of New Kent, VA, J.T. Minor (JT's Barber Shop, Quinton, VA)and a host of veterans and business owners in the county. Joe's presence was impactfuL "TO GOD BE THE GLORY"!

Tributes

Joe Henry Bell, Jr.

June 6, 1956 - November 25, 2021