Stephen W. Bell

Stephen Warner Bell passed away peacefully on October 9, 2017 as he was about to leave for dialysis. He put up a heroic battle with kidney failure and heart problems. He was a month away from his 78th birthday. Steve was preceded in joining the Lord by his Dad, Roscoe Bell and his Mother, Elizabeth who passed in February just 2 weeks shy of her 99th birthday. Steve was born on November 10, 1939 in Savannah, GA but the family moved shortly thereafter to Jacksonville, Florida. His brother, Daniel was born a few years later. The whole family was very active in Hendricks Ave Baptist Church. Steve at one time was considering becoming a minister, but all that changed when he went off to Military School. From there he went to the University of Georgia (GOdawgs) and was a member of Phi Delta. After graduation he went into the Army Special Forces. He got out of the Army as a Second Lieutenant and went to work in pharmaceutical sales. IBM recruited him away and he was a Sales Manager for them until he retired in 1995. He loved fishing, golfing, and always had a dog or two. In his spare time he was a Substitute Teacher. Steve met Sandy Hay in 2007 and got married May 24, 2008. They enjoyed a loving marriage for 9 ½ years. They loved boating, fishing, and most of all playing games almost every night after dinner. Steve started carving in 2008, something he always wanted to do but didn’t think he could. He totally enjoyed doing it and became quite good, often teaching other to carve. I don’t think there is a friend, doctor or nurse that he has not carved something for. He loved giving his carvings away. Steve and Sandy joined First Baptist Sweetwater 3 years ago and have enjoyed the loving people that embraced them. Steve was a prayer warrior who truly believed in the power of prayer. Those of us left behind that cherish Steve’s time with us are his beloved wife Sandra Hay Bell, his brother Daniel Bell and his wife Trish, their children Rev. Dr. Daniel M. Bell and his wife Sara, Rodney Bell and his wife Sandra, and their children, Reese and Riley. The following are his combined family: Children: Scott W. Bell, Eric R. Bell and wife Sheli. Grandchildren: Abigail J. Bell and Katelyn E. Bell. Step-Children: Brian R. Hay and wife Lynn, Deborah A. Jeffrey and husband Steve Step-Grandchildren: Drew R. Jeffrey and wife Danae, Austin M. Jeffrey, Brandon M. Hay, and Christopher W. Hay In Lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made to First Baptist Sweetwater: 3800 Wekiva Springs Road, Longwood, Florida 32779

Stephen W. Bell

November 10, 1939 - October 9, 2017