Arnold J. Bell: Loris

1938 – 2023

     Arnold J. Bell passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at his home in Loris. He was 84.

    Born Oct. 28, 1938 in Loris, he was the son of the late Thurman J. Bell and the late Essie Mae McDaniel Bell. Mr. Bell served his country in the United States Army. After his military service he worked as a blacksmith, welder, and fabricator and was a member of Zoan Methodist Church. Mr. Bell provided an invaluable service to his community by maintaining and repairing equipment used by the farmers. This service was crucial to both their success and livelihood, and he was known to have been able to fix anything.

     Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Margaret J. Bell; three sons, Randy Bell (Teresa), Rev. Andy Bell (Lorie), and Chris Bell; five grandchildren, Nicholas Bell (Ashley), Philip Bell, Casey Bell DiGeronimo (Dan), Cole Bell, and Kirby Bell; and three great-grandchildren, Braxton Bell, Kylin Bell, and Henry DiGeronimo.

     Arnold and his brother James married sisters, Margaret and Lilly Johnson. The union of James and Lilly resulted in three double first cousins: Tammy Floyd (Ronnie), Sandra “Sam” Griffith (Ivor), and Karen Thompson (Shawn); and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.

     In addition to his parents, Mr. Bell was predeceased by his two brothers, Thomas Aaron “Smokey” Bell and James Garland “Zeke” Bell.

     Memorial services were held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Hardwick Memorial Chapel with Rev. Andy Bell and Rev. Lonnie Johnson officiating.

     Memorials may be made to Mt. Leon Baptist Church, 9801 Hwy. 905 South, Longs, SC 29568.

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