George Nelson Bell

George Nelson Bell was born in Grantsville, West Virginia on February 2, 1932. He was the Great-grandson of William Bell and Josina Anderson (Bell) of Booths Creek, Marion Co. WV, Grand-son of John Nelson Bell and Alcinda Laverna Minnear (Bell) of Annamoriah Creek, Calhoun Co. WV, and son of Holly Bell and Arldia Stump (Bell) of Grantsville, WV.

George is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary Dupree Bell, daughter Tonya J. Bell (Steve) by previous marriage to Opal J. Ennis (Bell, predeceased), and step-daughters Carol Anne Edwards Leventhal and Debbie Walters Bily (Raymond), and his grandchildren Oliver & Glynnis Ethan & Juliana, Sarah, Rachel & Michael, and Stephanie who were a source of joy and pride to him. George is also survived by his sister Dorothy D. Fowler of WV.

He is predeceased by step-son Duncan R. Walters Jr. (Mary), brothers James A. Bell and Michael G. Bell, brother-in-law Glen Fowler, and sisters-in-law Sue Bell and Juanita Bell.

George graduated from Calhoun County High School in 1949. At age 12, he joined the Knotts Memorial Methodist Church in Grantsville, WV where his father, Holly Bell, taught Sunday School. During the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1952 and retired as a Colonel in 1982. He earned a B.S. degree from the University of Maryland in 1962 and a M.ED. from the University of Virginia in 1972.

He enjoyed gardening, tinkering with computers, and learning history. He believed that knowledge is power to be shared. And he was thankful for all of the blessings he received.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in George’s name to:

National Museum of the Marine Corps

1775 Semper Fidelis Way

Triangle, VA 22172

Toll free: 1-877-653-1775