He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sonya Bell Shaffett (Jeff); his son, Patrick Bell; 5 grandchildren, Alexia Fowler (Trey), Makenzie Bell, Hunter Shaffett (Jessica), Justin Shaffett (Bethannie), and Colton Shaffett; 5 great grandchildren, Aida French, Marlie Shaffett, Murray Shaffett, Iris Shaffett, and Ivey Shaffett; 4 sisters, Elizabeth Hudson, Ernestine Westmoreland, Patsy Patterson, and Sheila McCustian; and brother, David Bell (Darlene); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James R. Bell Sr. and Inez Horn Bell; sister, Mildred McKinney and two brothers, James Bell Jr. and Lawrence Bell.
Services for Gene will be on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Colyell Baptist Church, 19425 Hwy 42, Livingston, La. Visiting will be from 9:00 am until the funeral service at 10:30 am. He will be laid to rest in Colyell Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Justin Shaffett and Hunter Shaffett, and nephews, Jason May, Jeffery May, Kevin Martin, Kevin Patterson, and Jayden Jackson.
