Edward Bell, Sr. was born on April 27, 1938 in Sardis, Alabama to the late Lee Arthur Bell, Sr., and Callie Bell. He was the fourth of 16 children. Edward confessed in Christ at a very young age while living in Alabama. He continually read the word, in which he studied and shared so much knowledge with all who knew him. Edward attended school in Sardis, Alabama. Within his early teenage years, he chose to work and help his parents with his younger siblings, which did not allow him to go any further with his education. Edward later moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he met and married Kathrine “ “from that union Edward Bell, Jr. was born. He later met and married the love of his life, Bonnie Ruth Howard, and her children, from that union Delisha Darlene Bell was born. Together, they raised and love all eight of their children.
Edward worked as a tow motor driver at the Bassichis glass company in Cleveland, Ohio for 17 years. He later worked more within his passion of working on cars. He loved working on cars. All one had to do is pull up, and he would repair your car and get you rolling in no time. Edward also enjoyed listening to some good ole down home blues and doing his famous two step dance. He didn’t mind in his free time playing a few hands of cards and even shooting some dice, and fishing from time to time. Another thing Edward enjoyed was gardening, along with cooking some of his famous greens he picked from his garden. Not to mention grilling. He made it an annual event for his birthdays rain, sleet or shine by grilling his famous fall off the bone ribs that would make you slap your Momma. Edwards love for his family was admired by many. Needless to say, he was very protective over his family and didn’t mind wrapping his hands around your neck if need be. Edward is going to be missed dearly, yet never forgotten.
On Friday April 1, 2022, God called his son, Edward Bell, Sr. home peacefully in his sleep at Hillside Plaza Nursing facility.
Proceding Edward in death, his wife Bonnie Ruth Bell, daughter Michele Howard, siblings Lee Arthur Bell, Jr., Gary Bell, Mary Lou Katts, Laura Bell, Locket Bell, Thomas Bell, Wilbart Bell, Gretley Bell, Lirlean McCants.
He leaves to cherish his loving memories with 7 children, Edward Bell, Jr. Delisha Bell Smith (Joseph), Linda Howard, Raymond Howard, Anthony Howard, Deborah Howard, Gloria Brownlee (Lamar), 20 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and a blessing of uncountable great-great grandchildren. Four sisters, Fannie Ivory, Safronia Smiley (Lyn), Malinda Tate (James), Minnie Jones (Jeffrey). Two brothers Willie Henry Bell, George Bell (Kimberly) and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Lovingly submitted, The Family