Melvin Lorenza Bell Jr.

Melvin Lorenza Bell, Jr. passed peacefully on October 14, 2023 after a gradual decline in health. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family and caregivers during the last days of his life. Melvin was born June 24, 1948, in Kinston, NC and graduated from Adkin High School on June 6, 1966.

After moving to the DMV in 1968 he met Lucy Rosetta James while working together at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and they married on September 6, 1969. Melvin spent 33 years working as a Field Engineer for various US Navy defense contractors such as Gould, Martin Marietta, and Lockheed Martin. He supported and supervised the installation, maintenance, and upkeep of US submarine surveillance arrays. He often spoke passionately about his career and the opportunities it allowed for traveling to foreign countries before retiring in 2003.

Melvin is survived by his wife Lucy James Bell; three children and (spouses) Antonio David Johnson (Nicole), Alecia Denise Addison (Michael Jr.), David Lorenza Bell Sr. (Marlene); seven siblings and (spouses) Vinetta Bell, Alexander Bell (Mary), Julian Bell, Meredith Bell, Margaretha Williams, Essie Bell (Michael), Charity Bell; ten grandchildren and (spouses) Kevin Bell (Lillian), Diamonte Lark, Nicholas Johnson, Qwenton Herron, Senaysia Bell, Keyaira Herron, Elija Azevedo, David Bell Jr., Antonio Johnson, Ayden Bell; two great-grandchildren Jade Bell, Raina Bell; and a host of family and friends. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Melvin Lorenza Bell Sr. and Aretha Mae Bell (Miller); four siblings Loretta Bell Evans-Frazier (Elliott), Cleo Bell, Marilyn Bell Dixon, and Ervin Bell (Deborah).

Melvin was a loving husband, father, Pop-Pop and uncle who enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren. Melvin’s interest included the horse races and playing roulette. He enjoyed family functions like cookouts and holiday parties, was a master at steaming crabs and playing cards, and his favorite meal was dessert. Melvin was skilled at working with his hands, good at carpentry and fixing almost anything around the house. Family and friends could always depend on him to be there when needed.