MR. HENRY WILLARD BELL JR.

Henry Willard Bell Jr. (aka Henry Jr. and Doone) was born March 25, 1948, as the second child to the union of the late Elder Henry Willard Bell Sr. and Annie Bell (Gandy) Bell in Sturgis, MS. He quietly departed this life at home on October 3, 2024. When his mother remarried, he remained with and spent most of his formative years with his step grandfather, Elder Henry Davis and his maternal grandmother, Lizzie Davis In his early years, he attended Liberty Hill High School in Sturgis, Mississippi, and graduated from Oktibbeha Webster High School in Maben, Mississippi. While there he played basketball, football and ran track. He confessed his faith in Christ at an early age at Mt. Zion M.B. Church, Sturgis, MS. He again made a verbal confession of faith in Jesus Christ during his illness. In 1967, Henry Jr. enlisted in the United States Army. He served active duty during the Viet Nam War era and served overseas in Panama and many places stateside. After leaving active duty, Henry Jr. joined the Mississippi National Guard. He retired from the military as a Staff Sergeant, E6, after having served proudly 31 years. In 1972, Henry married Gayle (Jordan) Bell. To this union three children were born: Tory L. Bell, Shana D. Bell and Mario Quan’Trey Bell. Henry was a hard worker, and he worked for Gulf States Corporation of Starkville, MS for many years. During his tenure at Gulf States, he used his experience and influence to assist and guide many to get hired within the company. He had a “green thumb” and loved to work in the yard. He also loved sports and hunting. He had a quiet spirit but was always thinking. He never complained, no matter the circumstances in his life, and even throughout his illness. He was a soldier to the very end. Henry Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Willard Bell Sr. and Annie Bell (Gandy) Bell Jackson; two sisters: Elizabeth Jackson and Bertha Jackson. He leaves to cherish his memories, three children: Shana D. (Bell) Harris (David) of Sturgis, MS, Tory L. Bell (Chiquita)of Louisville, MS and Mario Quan’Trey Bell of Sturgis, MS; one grandson, Tory L. Bell II of Spartanburg, SC; Five sisters: Mary (Bell) Swanigan, of Jacksonville, FL, Sharon (Bell) Peterson of Jackson, MS, Sarah (Jackson) Morton of Winfield, AL, Patsy (Bell) Lowry of Los Angeles, CA, and Linda (Jackson) Montgomery of Winfield, AL; three brothers: James L. Bell of South Beloit, IL, Willie B. Jackson, of Monks Corner, SC and Emanuel Jackson (Sandra) of Midlothian, VA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

MR. HENRY WILLARD BELL JR.

March 25, 1948 - October 3, 2024