Deacon Robert Lee Bell, Sr. (Staff Sergeant Retired) passed away peacefully Saturday at his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was 88 years of age.

A son of the late Joe and Glennie Robinson Bell, Deacon Bell was born in Fitzgerald, GA and was a United States Army Veteran of 20 years. Deacon Bell was employed with Kmart, and was also the Founder of the Open Door Church of Deliverance where he was also a devout member. He obtained an Associates degree from Columbus Technical College and was a member of VFW #665. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Thresa Johnson, and eight siblings, Annie M. Thompson, Geraldine Sawyer, Matthew Bell, Everett Bell, John W. Bell, Clarence Bell, Archie Bell and Eddie Bell.

Surviving his departure with cherished memories, include: his loving and devoted wife of 70 years, Pastor Mae Letha Chatman Bell; a son, Robert Bell, Jr. (Debra); five daughters, Glendia Ford, Alice Dean, Mae Linda Harris (Grant), Vickie Boggess (Clarence) and Dora Joyner; twenty-five grandchildren, thirty-five great grandchildren, one great great grandchild; two sisters, Allene Berry (Charlie) and Mary Lee Bell; a sister-in-law, Louella Bell; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Homegoing Celebration for Deacon Bell will be Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 12 noon at the Open Door Church of Deliverance with interment following in Evergreen Memory Park.

Visitation is Friday, 2 til 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.