Bobby Ray Bell

Bobby Ray Bell passed away the morning of January 7, 2021 in Bonita Springs, Florida.   He was born in Lumberton, North Carolina the son of James Edward and O'Dessa Oxendine Bell.

He graduated from Fair Grove High School in Fairmont, North Carolina in 1962.  He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Kitty Hawk.  Bob was a coach of softball and baseball for both of his children through the years.  He worked for Capitol Napa Auto Parts, ABF Freight Systems and CIT Truck Centers in Springfield, Illinois.  He served as a trustee for Buckhart Township.  Bob retired December, 2003 and has been living seasonally in Bonita Springs, FL since that date where he enjoyed golfing and going out to eat with family, especially with his wife and best friend, Carol. He has been employed by Bonita Fairways Golf Course for
several years in Bonita Springs.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Barbara Carol Bell, son, Michael Bell and wife, Jenny Bell, of Palmer, Illinois, his daughter Alecia Suzanne Lane and son-in-law John Lane of Estero, Florida,  his sister, Valen Bell Seals and brother-in-law Earl Seals, granddaughter, Cassidy Bell Dvorsky of Estero, Florida, grandson Justin Bell (Allison), granddaughter Mikayla Bell
(Damon Moore), great-grand daughter Evelynn, brother-in-law Warren Buzzard of Shelbina, Missouri and several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Albert Bell and his wife Carolyn Bell, and sister Lola Jacobs and her husband, Woodrow, grandparents, granddaughter Nicole Raye Stade and sister-in-law Beth Ann Buzzard.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 11, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Taylorville Christian Church in Taylorville. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Taylorville Christian Church in Taylorville with Pastor James Jones Officiating. Burial will be in Edinburg Cemetery in Edinburg, IL with military graveside honors.

Memorials may be made to VFW Post #4495 515 N. West Ave. Taylorville, IL 62568 or Vision Way Christian School 1124 N. Webster St. Taylorville, IL 62568.

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.