Clarence Bell

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CLARENCE WILLIAM BELL was born in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday, July 4, 1934, and was the only child of Mary Louise Cox (nee Griffin). Clarence was educated in the Columbus City Schools, where he graduated from Champion Avenue School before attending East High School. He loved sports of all kinds. Clarence was an accomplished basketball player at Champion and East High School.

Clarence enlisted in the United States Navy on February 7, 1952, at the age of 17. During his Active Duty Service through July 5, 1955, he was stationed at the Naval Air Bases in San Diego, in Agan Guam, and in Japan. He served on the USSB, the USS Princeton, and the USS Valley Forge. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the China Service Medal. For many years, Clarence was affiliated with the VFW Post 3764 in Columbus. Clarence was an active member of the community.

He belonged to a men’s club called The Dolphins. He was a member of The Dolphins bowling league and softball team. He also coached youth sports teams in basketball and football. Many youngsters had the privilege of playing under his leadership and still refer to him as “Coach” to this day. Clarence was an avid sports fan. His favorite football team was the Cleveland Browns. No matter what the team’s winning or losing record was, whenever you saw him, he always identified himself as a Browns fan, either with a cap, a jersey, or a jacket. Clarence also had a favorite basketball team, the Boston Celtics, and his favorite sports magazine was The Sporting News.

Clarence was a hard worker, rarely missing a day of work in all his years of employment. He worked as a postal carrier for a short while, and as a manager of a Bonded service station for a time. In 2000, Clarence retired as a supervisor from the City of Columbus, Department of Public Service, Division of Refuse Collection, after 32 years of service.

Clarence met Dorothy (Jackson) one evening as they were both walking along the street to their respective destinations. Clarence was walking alone, dressed in his Sailor uniform. Dorothy was with several of her girlfriends, dressed for a night out. Clarence and Dorothy were married on December 1, 1956, and were married for 61 years. To this union were born four children: Mary, Robert “Bobby,” Richard “Ricky,” and Martha.

Clarence will be remembered as a sweet, friendly, and kind husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend who had a handsome smile, an acerbic wit, and a snappy response. He loved to watch sporting events and old westerns, play cards (pinochle), read the newspaper, spend time with his family on special occasions, and to hang out with his friends at the VFW post or local watering hole.

Blessed with 84 years of life, our beloved Clarence was called from labor to eternal rest on Friday, August 24, 2018. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Louise Cox (nee Griffin); and brothers, Alfonso Bell and Willis R. Bell, Sr. He was also preceded in death by daughter, Martha (Alan) Bell-Hergins and son, Richard “Ricky” Bell.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy M. Bell (nee Jackson); sisters, Frances Levert and Charlene Penson; daughter, Mary (Marvin) Bell-McGhee; and son, Robert “Bobby.” Also left to cherish his memory are his 10 grandchildren: Marquel (Nicholene) McGhee, Erin Bell, Mara McGhee, Robert Bell Jr. “BJ,” Marshall McGhee, Ericka Buford, Marika (Eric) McGhee Edwards, Elysa Bell, Marlon McGhee, and Marsalis McGhee; his 11 great-grandchildren: Malachi Wiggins, A’lessia Bell, Kristopher Buford, Nyarrah Bell, Charles Jones III, Malik Bell, Makai Bell, Jaxon McGhee, Davon Burgess II, Anaiyah McGhee, and Leila McGhee; a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

 Visitation 11:00am and Funeral 12:00pm Friday, September 7, 2018 at Love Zion Baptist Church, 1459 Madison Ave.

Interment with Military Honors at Evergreen Burial Park.

Condolence Messages

  1. Irish J. Richardson

    To the Bell family. My heart is with you and your family at this time of your loss. There is comfort in knowing God’s promises of the resurrection. Read Acts 24;15 and Revelation 21:4. In the past God has resurrected humans and He is eager to do it again. I would like to discuss more with you about God’s promises. If you like you can contact me at (614) 870-2979. Love Your Neighbor Irish J. Richardson

  2. Please accept our condolences and prayers
    In the loss of your love one , may the memories that mean the most to you live forever in your hearts.
    With caring thoughts.

  3. Our hearts goes out to you as you prepare for say goodbye to your love one. May your good and happy memories and remembering the love that God has for you comfort you give you peace in this time of sorrow. With caring thoughts.

  4. Earl Littlefield

    We send our Condolences and love to the family. we have shared some good
    times with the Bell family over the years. we will always keep those Memories
    with us.

    Littlefield Family

  5. Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC

    God Bless and Thank YOU, Clarence for your service.. Interment with Military Honors..RIP.. And Semper Fi.

  6. Our condolences to the Bell family with prayers of comfort at this time of transition to Clarence’s heavenly home. Thanks for the years of service and protection of out country.

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