Robert Lee “Bob” Bell, 77, took his last breath on earth and his next breath in heaven surrounded by family and friends on March 10, 2023.
Bob was born in Pennsylvania to the late Lester Dale Bell Sr. and Gertrude Niman Bell. He served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam, was a Purple Heart recipient, and after serving for 12 years, he later retired from the Naval Air Station as an aircraft freight loader. Bob attended Gateway Church in Virginia Beach and was previously a long-time member of Virginia Beach Free Will Baptist Church.
He was a member of the Gideons, active in the jail and rescue mission ministries. He coached little league, and also was a member of the Tidewater Scottish Association. He was a frequent shopper at Acredale Saddlery and had many friends there. He also loved spending time on the fishing pier with his family.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Lester “Mick” Bell Jr. and “Mick’s” wife Doris. He is survived by his wife, Penny J. Bell; three children, Ryan D. Bell of Chicago, Illinois, Erin L. Bell of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Russell L. May of Pennsylvania; one grandson, Sean A. Bell of Chicago, Illinois; two sisters, Darlene York of Texas, and Debbie Brooke and husband Donnie of North Carolina; and three sisters-in-law, Teresa Siebert and husband George, Linda Temple (her husband Jim is deceased), and Kim Johnson, all of North Carolina. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and extended family in Pennsylvania.
The family would like to express a special thanks to Chris Grimes for a being a new friend to Bob in his last days.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Gateway Church, 5473 Virginia Beach, Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA. 23462 or Gentiva Hospice.
