William H. Bell

William Henry Bell, Jr. William Henry Bell, Jr., 83, joined his heavenly family on October 14, 2021, leaving his earthly home in Columbus, MS. Bill, as he was known by his family and friends, was born October 13, 1938, in Camden, New Jersey, to the late William Henry Bell, Sr. and Jennie Mary Christopher Bell. He spent his childhood years in Gloucester, New Jersey, graduating from Gloucester High School in 1956. Bill joined the United States Air Force in 1960, assigned to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. In 1962, he was assigned to Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. This is where the magic began to happen. He met the love of his life in late 1962 and married her in 1964. He served in the Civil Engineering Squadron at Columbus AFB until his retirement in April 1999. He enjoyed his retirement years by spending his time bowling on leagues with his friends, serving as an election poll worker, and working in his woodshop on projects from his “honey-do” list. He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church and the Serendipity Sunday School class. Bill’s greatest love was his family. They are his greatest accomplishment. He leaves such a great legacy of love, commitment, kindness, and humor. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Collin Dempsie Smith; his brother, Harry William Bell; and his sister, Adeline May Murphy. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Willie Frances Thompson Bell; daughters, Deborah Bell Smith (Glenn) of Daphne, AL and Brenda Bell Achter (Erik) of Caledonia, MS; son, William Henry Bell, III (Lori) of Manistee, MI; grandsons, Dylan Tyler Bell, Reese Copeland Smith, Garrett Konrad Achter, and Korbin Alexander Achter, and granddaughter, Lauren Alexa Bell; three nieces and two nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home, 903 College Street, Columbus, MS. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 Or American Cancer Society 1557 Mac Davis Road Columbus, MS 39702