Family and friends gathered for visitation from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at Tillatoba Baptist Church for Mr. Ray Bell Jr., 89, of Tillatoba, who died on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at his residence. Burial immediately followed in Union Cemetery in Tillatoba with the Rev. Rickey Harris officiating.
Mr. Bell was born on Aug. 14, 1934, in Oklahoma, the son of the late Ray Bell Sr. and the late Lilly Vesta Payne Bell. He worked as a farmer for a number of years and later retired as a truck driver having worked many years for Lewis Grocery/SuperValu. He was a skilled “handyman” and was blessed with the ability to fix almost anything. He enjoyed worshiping and the fellowship he had with other believers at Tillatoba Baptist Church. While working in his yard and traveling were among the many things he enjoyed, spending time with his beloved family was what he enjoyed most.
In addition to his parents, his wife, Opal Bell; one daughter, Karen Merrill; one son, Thomas Ray Bell; sister, Eula Andrews, and brothers, Fred Cantrell, Cecil Cantrell, Gus Cantrell and Paul Cantrell, preceded Mr. Bell in death.
Survivors include, one daughter, Deborah McCool (Tommy) of Tillatoba; one son, Ronald Bell (Elisa) of Oklahoma City, Okla.; four grandchildren, Michael Merrill, Angela Dukes, Christopher McCool and Kimberly Beavers; nine great grandchildren, Victoria Merrill, Nicholas Merrill, Veronica Chambers, P.J. Duke, Allison Dukes; Hunter McCool, Hayden McCool, Caitlyn Beavers and Hannah Beavers and one great-great grandchild, Isabelle Chambers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Union Cemetery Fund through Tillatoba Baptist Church.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
