Reuben Bell

“Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Reuben Thomas Bell, Sr. was born on March 29, 1922 to the late Nelson and Clara Bell in Livingston? Alabama. The eldest of twelve children, Reuben is preceded in death by siblings Edgie Lee Davis, Bertha Bell, Anna Mary Townsell, James Bell, William Bell, Jack Bell, and Frank Bell.
Reuben confessed Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined St. John Baptist Church in Edgewater, Alabama under the leadership of the late Reverend Houston. He later moved to Bessemer, Alabama and joined Fifth Avenue Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of the late. E.L. Nevett. Reuben Bell, Sr. remained a member of Fifth Ave Bethel Baptist Church under the current leadership of Rev. Calvin Bell, Sr. until death.
On October 18, 1943, Reuben Bell, Sr. married Velma Jackson Bell. To this union, six children were born; three sons and three daughters. For 69 years, the loving and devoted couple
Reuben Bell, Sr. served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged. He was employed at U.S. Steel and Jim Walter Coal Mine until retirement.
Reuben Bell Sr. departed this life on September 29, 2018. He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, a son, Sandy Bell, and granddaughter, Cassandra Bell.
He leaves to cherish his memories: children, Reuben (Gwendolyn) Bell of Birmingham, Alabama, Joseph (Evivian) Bell of Fairfield, Alabama, Velma Bell of McCalla, Alabama, Minerva Norris of Bessemer, Alabama and Eloise Bell of Bessemer Alabama; siblings, Nelson Bell of Birmingham, Alabama, Maple English of Newport News, Virginia and Bernice High of Birmingham, Alabama; daughter-in-law, Janet Hall of Livingston, Alabama; brother-in-law, Eddie Townsell of Newport New, Virginia; sisters-in-law, Leana Jackson of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Dorothy Bell of Livingston, Alabama, Thelma Love of Livingston, Alabama, Brenda Love of Livingston, Alabama and Maxine Bell of Bessemer, Alabama; twelve grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren; children of 5 th Court; two special godsons, Arnold (A.D.) Diggins and Amber (Bonnie) Armstrong; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Reuben’s favorite saying was ‘I’m just a country boy, nothing but a farmer.’ His favorite pastime was spending time in his garden and sharing his freshly grown vegetables with family, neighbors, and friend s.