William Thomas Bell, Jr.

William Thomas Bell, Jr., 74, of Fountain Inn, husband of Elizabeth Woods Bell, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, July 23, 2020.

Born in Columbia, SC, he was a son of the late William Thomas Bell, Sr. and Hilda Nelson Bell. Mr. Bell was a long-time member of Fountain Inn Presbyterian Church. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran having served 1966-1967 in the A13 and was a lifetime member of the 3rd Marine Division Association. He was a 1972 graduate of Clemson University and lifetime fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks. He was a Recreational Therapist at Marshall Pickens Behavioral Health Center for thirty-four years. He was a forty-three year member of the American Legion where he served as the local Boys State advisor. He served as a volunteer in various roles with the Hillcrest High School athletic department and South Carolina USA Wrestling when not competing in rounds of golf as a longtime member at Fox Run Country Club.

In addition to his wife, Elizabeth, Mr. Bell is survived by their children, Lt. Col. William “Bill” Thomas Bell, III and his wife, Morgan, of Mt. Pleasant, Thomas “Tommy” Mitchell Bell and his wife, Amanda, of Simpsonville, and Robert “Robby” Nelson Bell and his wife, Andrea, of Simpsonville; and seven grandchildren, Ronan, Cian, Anaston, Kaylin, Hayden, RJ, and Jase Bell.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Judith Bell Goetzinger; and one brother, James N. Bell.

A Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 5:00 PM in the Green Pond United Methodist Church Cemetery in Gray Court with Rev. Bob Keely officiating. The family and funeral home requests that everyone in attendance wear a mask and practice “social distancing.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in the name of Bill Bell to: Fountain Inn Presbyterian Church, Youth Ministry, PO Box 337, Fountain Inn, SC 29644.

Condolences to the family of William Thomas Bell, Jr.

  • Carolyn
    4 years ago

    We are thinking about the entire Bell family at this most difficult time. Please know that we are lifting each of you up in prayer. May comfort, strength and peace be present with you now and in the days ahead.
    With our deepest sympathy,
    The Dan and Carolyn Shirley Family

  • Curt and Becky Ellison
    4 years ago

    We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. We worked together a long time. I hope you find peace in his memories and hope in his legacy.

    Our deepest sympathy,

    Curt and Becky Ellison

  • Ralph Archer
    4 years ago

    Thanks to Bill for his service to our country, his friendship and his support for the community. We will miss him at the club dearly. Prayers to the Bell family during these difficult times

  • Rachel Mahon
    4 years ago

    So sorry for your loss, prayers for the family.

  • Connie Patterson
    4 years ago

    Bill and I are praying for the family. We were very saddened to hear of Bill’s passing.

  • Nell Harrison
    4 years ago

    We are praying for all of you. May God comfort you.
    Nell and David Harrison

  • Sorry to hear of Bill Passing .praying for family.

    Kirby Ballew

  • Dorothy Pitmon
    4 years ago

    I was so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a co-worker and a friend of mine for many years. I am praying for your family. Sincerely, Dorothy Pitmon

  • Jane Sagara
    4 years ago

    Ken and I are so sorry about Bill’s passing. I worked with Bill for many years at MIPH, and he continued to keep in touch all these years since his retirement. He never forgot his friends and we will never forget him. We are thinking about the whole Bell family during this difficult time.

    Jane and Ken Sagara

  • Mrs. Bell, you,Tommy, Robby, and the entire Bell family are in our prayers. My son Chris Case was in your third grade class at Fountain Inn Elementary during the 96-97 school year. We are so sorry for your loss. I never met your husband, but Chris remembers him fondly. You have always had a special place in our hearts and always will.

    Karen Vaughan

  • Just wanted to let you all know that my heart hurts for you! Through my time at HHS one of the things that I knew we could count on was was Bill and Mama Bell being there to support us. Because of your loving family my time there will always hold some of my favorite memories. Know that I love you all and pray for your comfort and God’s grace, rejoice in knowing that you will see him again. Please let me know how I can help you all, always proud to be a Ram!

  • We are thinking of the Bell family at this most difficult time. We spent a lot of weekends together at sports events with the boys competing in wrestling. Many happy moments. I remember Elizabeth and I grading papers in between matches. Our prayers go out to all of the Bell family. May comfort,strength,love and peace be with you. Polly and Chuck Mierke

  • Stephanie House
    4 years ago

    I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I worked with Bill at MIPH in Recreational Therapy. Prayers of comfort for your family.

    My deepest sympathy,
    Stephanie Brake House

  • Zane L Martin
    4 years ago

    So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a co-worker @ MIPH. I have many memories especially how proud and supportive he was of his boys. Keeping Bill’s family in thought and prayer.

    With deepest sympathy,
    Cheryl Jefferson

  • Myot Akins
    4 years ago

    Sincere sympathy to the Bell family. HHS didn’t have a bigger fan. Thank you Bill, too, for your service to your country.
    Myot Akins and family.

  • Debbie Merritt
    4 years ago

    Elizabeth, Bill, Tommy and Robby. Mike and I are heartbroken to hear of
    Bill’s passing. We have so many wonderful memories from our years on and off the wrestling mat…..both high school and college. He will be missed. Your family is certainly in our thoughts and prayers.

    Mike and Debbie Merritt

  • So sorry to learn of Bills passing.I worked with him for many years at MIPH and he will be missed by not only family but those he helped in his work at the hospital.Prayers for Gods light to shine on the family in your dark hour. Margaret Pine McManus

  • Becky Self
    4 years ago

    Thinking of all the Bell family in the loss of one who gave so much to his family, his career, and to the community. He was a friend to us all and we send love and prayers to each of you. Becky and Keith Self, Parksville, SC

  • So sorry to hear about Bill. We will be praying for the family. 🙏

  • Jennie Gault
    4 years ago

    Elizabeth and family…I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time for all of you Bill was a great supporter of athletics at my old high school. I’m proud of his service to his country, as well. Much sympathy. Jennie Gault and family

  • ButchHadden
    4 years ago

    Elizabeth and family,
    I was greatly saddened to hear of Billy’s death. Memories of Billy and me being together in high school and participating in sports and really, all aspects of life, have reminded me of a friendship to be cherished. We are supporting you through our prayers. I shall miss him.
    Butch Hadden

  • James Thompson
    4 years ago

    Sorry to hear of the passing Bill,went to school together.Enjoyed our Friday meeting at the mall.

  • Chuck, Valerie, and Bree Turner
    4 years ago

    Moma Bell, Bill, Tommy, and Robbie,
    It is so sad to lose such a dedicated, respected man that Mr. Bill surely was. The HHS girl’s golf team will surely miss his presence, as many others will, also. Many prayers to you during this time. Mr. Bill and your family are very appreciated for the work, support, and encouragement you give to the school and community.

  • Sheila Kelley
    4 years ago

    Sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Bell, he was always a big part of wrestling to us.
    Prayers for all.
    Steve & Sheila Kelley

  • So sorry to hear about BILL He was a wonderful husband father. and grand father. My thoughts and prayers are for you. I remember some special moments
    we all had together
    Elizabeth. I have moved
    into a senior high rise
    So hard to get use to it after a lsrge house
    Hope to see you soon
    Anne and I are going to meet in Greenville after her Grandson”s wedding

    See you then!
    Love you
    Jane Lackey

  • Jan Burdette
    4 years ago

    To Elizabeth and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Bill’s death. I am sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your entire family. With deepest sympathy, Jan Burdette ( Billy’s wife)

  • I worked with Bill at MIPH. He was one of my favorite people. What a good man. I know the family will miss him.

  • Mark Mathew
    4 years ago

    Will miss greatly a very kind and Great Golfing buddy. God Bless

  • Mary and Don Dromm
    4 years ago

    To the Bell Family
    Please accept our condolence on the passing of Bill. We will miss seeing him at golf and other affairs where he would always have a smile and something nice to say. God bless.
    Mary and Don Dromm

  • I will miss bill .a good hearted person.he &I had a few vodka & tonics together.he always went out of his way to be a friendly & good natured person. GOD SPEED.hope to play a game of golf with you in heaven if I make it.

  • I will miss bill.a good friend @ golf buddy.we shared a few vodka @tonics together.hope to play another round of golf with him in heaven if I make it.

  • Steve biley
    4 years ago

    Bill will be missed by all members of the senior golf group at Foxrun golf club. Bill was always there to lend a hand or offer an opinion, sometimes stirring the pot, but only if the pot needed stirring. Your friends miss you Bill, but you have been called to your next duty station, the gates of heaven. Semper Fi.

  • Carol & Rich Bennett
    4 years ago

    Elizabeth and family,

    Deepest condolences on Bill’s passing. He was a friend to many of the members at Fox Run. We always looked forward to seeing you both at the Younts Center. His smile and good heart will be missed.

  • Barbara Burdette Watson
    4 years ago

    Elizabeth and family. So very sorry for your lost. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Barbara Burdette Watson

  • Torie Oljeski
    4 years ago

    Aunt Elizabeth and family, we are so sad to lose our Uncle Bill and send our deepest sympathy to you, the boys and their families. Please know how much he was loved and how much he will be missed.

  • I first met Bill when he was the life guard at MIPH and I was a nursing assistant. That was in 1971.Later he was a recreational therapist and I was an RN. He was a very special friend. He worked hard to keep the MIPH family together even after retirement.My thoughts are with his family. He was so proud of you all. Bill always called me on my birthday. I will forever miss that call.

  • Cathy McMahan Leming
    4 years ago

    Dear Elizabeth and family,

    Cousin Fran called to tell me the news of Bill’s passing. I am so very sorry that the virus made you both ill and now Bill is gone. I moved to CA in 1989 and relocated to East TN in 1998. The years have flown by and family contact has been lost. My sister, Susan McMahan Lollis resides in Easly, SC and Thomas is still in Laurens. We send sympathy and condolences from our family to yours.
    Sincerely,
    Cathy McMahan Leming (Richard)

  • Carol Leavey-Andrews
    4 years ago

    I worked for many years with Bill at MIPH and he was always so supportive and helpful as a friend and fun to be around
    Condolences to his family, as I know this is a hard time for you
    Sincerely,
    Carol Leavey-Andrews(Hall)

  • Beth Wilson Dalrymple
    4 years ago

    I just found out that Bill went home to be with Jesus. I worked with Bill for several years, and I always enjoyed the fun we had. He was a character, and will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his precious family!

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