Jerry Van Bell, Sr., 79, passed away Sunday, September 13, 2020, at his home in Cherryville, NC, surrounded by his many extended family members, who loved him dearly.
Jerry fought kidney disease for many years. He will be buried with his beloved twin brother, James, in their family plot in Ethel, MS.
Jerry Van Bell, Sr., was born in Kosciusko, MS, on June 6, 1941, to Edith Boyette Bell Harpole and James Van Bell.
Jerry Bell and Louise Proctor Bell Davis, also of Kosciusko, MS, were married in 1962 and had son, Jerry Van Bell, Jr., in October of 1963.
Jerry spent his early career in the RV motorhome industry in Mississippi. Later, he transitioned to school bus sales in Richmond, IN, where he met and married Jane Long, who had three daughters, Kristen, Jennifer, and Angela. Jerry and Jane were franchisees of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken stores in Richmond, Muncie and Connersville, IN, which are now owned and operated by his son, Jerry Van Bell, Jr.
Jerry enjoyed many years as a member of Forest Hills Country Club. He loved the game of golf, where his quick wit and fun-loving nature were always on display with many great friends.
Mr. Bell was preceded in death by his parents, James Van and Edith Boyette Bell Harpole; his twin brother, James Terry Bell, Sr.; brother, Charles Boyd Bell; and sister, Eddye Dolores Bell Burns.
Survivors include his son, Jerry Van Bell, Jr. (Stephanie Shute Bell) and their daughters, Emma Louise, 14, and Lauren Van, 12, of Richmond, IN; his remaining sibling, Ralph Boyette Bell, MD, (Connie) of Jackson, MS; his nephew, James Terry Bell, Jr., (Lisa) and their sons, James Van, 13, and Steven Boyd, 11, of Cherryville, NC; step-daughter, Kristen Long Levine (Tony) and daughters Samantha Jane, 22, Virginia Dalton, 19, and Elizabeth Jewel, 17, of Cherryville, NC; step-daughter, Jennifer Long Kudla (David) of Vero Beach, FL; step-daughter, Angela Long Snow (John) and children Christian Craig, 15, and Devin Jane, 13, of Vero Beach FL; and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry will be buried in Ethel, MS, at the Ebenezer Baptist Church presided over by his cousin, the Reverend Ladell Blanton.
The family requests no flowers but, instead, donations to First Tee of Indiana, Richmond, IN. Condolences may be made to www.carpentersfuneralhome.net.
