Leroy Bell

Leroy Bell, 94, entered eternal rest on July 5, 2026, at his home following an extended illness.

Born on February 23, 1932, in Hopkins, South Carolina, Leroy was the son of Jeff Taylor and Nellie Harris. At the age of three months, he was lovingly adopted by Tom and Sarah Bell, who raised him with unwavering love, care, and devotion.

Leroy graduated from Hopkins High School before proudly serving his country during the Korean Conflict in the United States Army Signal Corps as a pole lineman. On September 17, 1951, he married the former Marie Jacqueline Carter, and together they made their home in Columbia, South Carolina. In September 2025, they celebrated the remarkable milestone of 74 years of marriage.

Throughout his career, Leroy was employed by Dreher Packing Company, Seibels Bruce Insurance Company, and the University of South Carolina Facilities and Maintenance Department, from which he retired in 2006. Following his retirement, he continued to work for Superior Mailing Services.

A man of deep faith, Leroy was an active member of St. John Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a trustee. He later united with First Nazareth Baptist Church, where he worshipped regularly until declining health prevented him from attending.

In addition to his parents, Leroy was preceded in death by his beloved son, Tom Jeffery Bell.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of nearly 75 years, Marie Jacqueline Bell; his seven children, Micheal (Carolyn) Bell, Alonzo Bell, Dr. Gary (Dr. Benetta) Bell, Janice (Raymond) Bell-McDowell, Joyce (Dr. Eric) Bell-Washington, Janette (Greggory) Bell-Taste, and Dr. Woodrow (Christa) Bell; ten grandchildren, Maria, Christopher, Whitney, Jonathan, Marie, Alexia, Katherine, Myles, Kristina, and Kayla; three great-grandchildren, Diamond, Noah, and Jackson; four great-great-grandchildren, Bentley, Levi, Roman, and Harlow; his sister, Mamie (Otis) Eleazer; two sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; his devoted family friend, Chris McDuffie; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Leroy was a soft-spoken man of quiet strength whose life was marked by hard work, humility, and unwavering devotion to his family. Though a man of few words who valued his privacy, when he spoke others listened because his words carried wisdom, purpose, and sincerity. Meticulous in all that he did and a stickler for punctuality, he instilled in his children the importance of discipline, education, self-motivation, and the value of honest, hard work.

He nurtured strong family values and found his greatest joy in spending time with those he loved, especially his cherished grandchildren. Gentle in spirit yet steadfast in character, his love for his family was evident through both his actions and the example he set. His commitment to faith, family, and community earned his family’s  recognition by the National Black Family Summit in South Carolina in 1990.  This occasion was commemorated through recognition by the United States Senate and was entered into the Congressional Record on April 25, 1990.

Leroy also enjoyed cheering on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks and was a devoted Atlanta Braves fan. His quiet presence, faithful example, steadfast character, and enduring love will remain a lasting legacy to all who knew and loved him.

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