of Saffell, AR
June 14, 1958 - January 20, 2021
Jimmy Dean Bell, 62, carpenter, cattle farmer, volunteer fireman, bee keeper, husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home, January 20, 2021 after a bravely fought battle with esophageal cancer. Jim loved his family, friends and his farm. Please remember him with a smile when you load your best dog to check the cows, smell fresh sawn wood or fresh cut hay. When you see honey bees and taste their honey, or see the sunset from your back porch, remember him. When you measure twice and cut once and when your actions speak instead of words, think of him.
Jimmy was born to A.L. Bell and Dolores (Martz) Bell on June 14, 1958 at Gray's Hospital in Batesville, Arkansas. He went to school at Strawberry School District and Gateway VoTech in building trades; he married Regina Nadine (Bratcher) Bell on July 25, 1980 in Strawberry, Lawrence County, Arkansas. In 2020 he and Regina Bell celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. He worked as a General Contractor and owned his own business, Bell Construction, for many years.
Survivors include his wife, Regina Nadine (Bratcher) Bell of Saffell; his mother, Dolores (Martz) Bell of Saffell; his mother-in-law, Janice Nadine (Durham) Bratcher of Strawberry; sisters, Renee (Bell) Hoover of Austin, Texas and Michelle (Bell) Park and husband, Frank Park of Memphis, Tennessee; brother-in-law, Bobby Bratcher and wife, Denise of Smithville, Arkansas; nieces and nephews, Michael Hoover, Kara Land, Elyssa Hoover, Sydney Hoover, Logan Park, Cameron Wenzel, Jase Hoover, Ellie Land, Zakary Bratcher, Dakota (Bratcher) Mangrum and husband, Justin. Also, aunt, Linda Diane (Martz) Sinele; uncle, William Gary Martz; aunt, Deanna (Durham) Wrenn and husband Stan of Strawberry.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his only child, a son, Justin D. Bell; his father, A.L. Bell; father-in-law, Charles Bratcher; and grandparents, Bert Manfern Bell, Rosetta (Mitchell) Bell, Owen Rozzell ''Snooks'' Martz and Dorothy Verneal (Slayden) Martz.
The family of Jimmy Bell wishes to extend our sincere thanks to many friends and family, Dr. Khan and the Oncology Nurses at WRMC, Dr. Jason Muesse and the Cardio Thoracic Team, as well as Dr. David Bumpass at UAMS.
Pallbearers are Tom Carley, Brad Maxwell, Kenny Morse, Frank Park, Michael Hoover, Lynn Martz, Shawn Sinele, and Brian Bell. Honorary pallbearers will be Zak Bratcher, Logan Park, Joel Ward, Chris Sinele, and members of Saffell Volunteer Fire Department.
Graveside services will begin at 2:00 pm Friday, January 22, 2021 at Union Cemetery in Dowdy under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made in his honor to Children's Home Inc. of Paragould, 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, AR 72450 or Saffell Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 5, Saffell, AR 72572.
We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks and social distancing will be observed.
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40 Condolence(s)
Marcia Glasco
Thursday, March 25, 2021
I started first grade with Jimmy & graduated with him. He never had an unkind word for anyone which was rare & special even after all these years. My thoughts & prayers are with all of his family & friends.
Sandy (Smith) Hall
Sunday, January 31, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Jimmy was one of the good ones. Prayers for peace and strength only God can supply you with to get through this.
Sue Lee
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
As I sit here and tears run down my cheeks, I feel sorrow for the loss of someone as special Jim. Though we are told to be sad, there is also a sense of joy that Jim is in the presence of Jesus. God gives us sadness and tears as a way of saying goodbye to our loved ones! Look forward and take one day at a time. Some days will be better than others and knowing tomorrow is a fresh new day. Regina, I am sending my love and prayers.
Love,
Sue
Paula summers
Friday, January 22, 2021
Regina, I just heard today of Jimmy’s passing . My thoughts and prayers are with you. Even though it’s been a while since I’ve seen you, I still remember our teaching together at the Rock and coming to visit you. Love Paula
Joanna Kunkel
Friday, January 22, 2021
So sorry for your loss have your family in my prayers
Sherry Chilton
Friday, January 22, 2021
Delores, Regina, Michelle, Renee and loved ones, I am so sorry for your loss. You remain in my prayers.
Wonderful Jimmy memories, his discerning voice, pictures of him, the sound of his voice over the years have rolled through my mind and over my heart these past couple of days. From youthful adventures around the Bell and Daggett places, to the night A.L. and Delores called the fire department and Jimmy showed up with the great men who volunteered and succeeded in saving Dad's life and getting him to WRMC; to crispy fall mornings standing around with Dad, Lefty, A.L., J.C. and whoever stopped by talking deer stands and harvests, to Bart and I trying to score all that was left in Strawberry of the best honey anywhere -- his and Justin's -- and many a meeting at a church, funeral home or cemetery, honoring them that brung us. I thank God for him and his memories.
My prayers and deepest sympathies are with you. He loved you all so very, very much. What a blessing you were, Jimmy Dean Bell.
I pray that you may ever feel his presence, his wise thoughts unspoken, his knowing grin and laughter, the vigilant protection and assistance of a fine husband, son and brother: so many memories to treasure for lifetimes. May you find some comfort in his transformation "back home", in his newfound peace, in knowing he is joyfully reunited with his God, family and friends on the other side.
May your faith remain strong in the truth and knowledge that your will see him again, and oh what a day that will be.
My love and virtual hugs to each of you and your wounded hearts this day. God bless. God bless. God bless.
Jeanette (Sharp) Pope
Friday, January 22, 2021
My heart goes out to you and your family. Prayers for God’s comfort and strength.
Jeanette (Sharp) Pope
Judy Ann Lee
Friday, January 22, 2021
I am so sorry Regina you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Todd, Resa and Stephanie Bolin
Friday, January 22, 2021
Prayers for comfort and strength, May God’s love and the many prayers embrace you in the coming days. Jimmy touched so many lives by always helping them with a smile. He was a servant helping others and he loved his family and community.
Leah Watson
Friday, January 22, 2021
Regina, I am so sorry! Jimmy was a great man! He came over a few summers back and helped W0 get a huge swarm of Bees from a hollow tree in our yard! He had skill working with those Bees! W0 thought the world of him! You and your Family are in my prayers for the days ahead! Leah Ann
Billy and Lana Doyle
Friday, January 22, 2021
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. â¤ï¸ Billy and Lana
Connie Brannon
Thursday, January 21, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I have memories of Jim beginning with him as a 7th grader and things you would share about him as your husband, and what a wonderful father he was. I will pray for you and other family members to find comfort and peace. Love, Connie
Junior Barnett
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Regina, so sorry. My prayers go out to you and family for your loss.
Danny and Maronda Davis
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Regina, so sorry to hear this, you are in our thoughts and prayers! May God comfort you in the days ahead
Jeff and Dena Gage
Thursday, January 21, 2021
We are so sorry for your great loss
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Jenneal J. Runsick
Thursday, January 21, 2021
John and I are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom Baker
Thursday, January 21, 2021
So very sorry Regina. Prayers for you and the family on both sides of this Christian marriage for strength and comfort as needed during the trying days ahead. ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ™ðŸ»â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Linda Doyle Smart
Thursday, January 21, 2021
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
Mandy Durham
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Prayers for all of the family. So very sorry for your loss.
Carolyn cook
Thursday, January 21, 2021
So sorry for your loss.Prayers for strength, comfort and peace in Jesus name.
Wilson Family
Thursday, January 21, 2021
We have you all in our thoughts and prayers. Kenny, Mellissa, Justin, and Kerrie
Curt, Cindy & Quade Warhurst
Thursday, January 21, 2021
We are so sorry for the loss of a son, brother, husband, uncle, friend and farmer. We are praying for all of you as you grieve this loss of someone who meant so much to all of you. Please know that we will be lifting you all in prayer over the coming days, weeks, months and year. We pray that you lean on faith promised to us; knowing that you will see him again. The time that shall pass between now and then, may you treasure & find joy in the memories made. Much Love, The Warhurst Family
Clarence and Sharon Fry
Thursday, January 21, 2021
So sorry for your loss Jim will be greatly missed Praying for the family
Clara Nell Crews
Thursday, January 21, 2021
I have been praying for this family and I will continue to pray. Jimmy was a good man. Heaven gained an Angel that was so kind and giving to all. I won’t be attending due to Covid. i love this family but I do not get out much. prayers to all
Doug and Karen Massey
Thursday, January 21, 2021
So sorry for your loss
Rhonda Morse
Thursday, January 21, 2021
You are all in our prayers, Kenny loved Jimmy like a brother, we are here for you Regina and Delores if you need anything.
Greg, Lisa, and Emma Howard
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Regina, We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort are being sent up for you.
Dan and Brenda Hugg
Thursday, January 21, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace.
David and Debbie Wigginton
Thursday, January 21, 2021
You all are in our thoughts and prayers! May God give you comfort and strength during this difficult time as only He can. We are so broken hearted. He was such a great man. We love you all!
Ina Lee Henley
Thursday, January 21, 2021
So so sorry for your loss....I remember Jim and Donald Ray helping us some on building. He will be missed but you can cherish your sweet memories....
Dr.John & Teresa Tosi and Eme’
Thursday, January 21, 2021
We pray for your family. May your tears soon be replaced by only the happiest of memories.
Larry and Lyda Harris
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Regina and family, we are so sorry for your loss! Will be keeping you in prayer!
Keith & Debbie Geurin
Thursday, January 21, 2021
We are so very sorry for your loss. Praying for God to grant you peace, comfort and strength through this most difficult time. Sending love and hugs.
Randy Polston
Thursday, January 21, 2021
So Sorry Rip Jim!
Althea Hoggard
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Regina, I was so very sorry to read of the passing of Jimmy. May the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand.
Linda Ring
Thursday, January 21, 2021
The Bell Family have been in our thought and prayers since hearing of Jimmy's health problems.
Your Friends at
Stubbs Home Center Inc.
Brad and Beth Maxwell
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
May you rely on the comfort of the Lord during this most difficult time. We considered Jimmy a wonderful friend and will be praying for you all.
Teresa Goings
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
So sorry for your loss. May God’s comfort and peace surround you during this time. Love and God bless
Roddy and Janice Clayton
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Regina, I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. We will be in Little Rock Friday for Roddy to see a doctor and will be unable to attend funeral. So sorry about this. Prayers for you and your family.
Alan Vickery
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
In our thoughts and prayers,
Phyllis, Alan, Paige, & Andrew Vickery