Charles Emmett Bell Jr.

Charlie was born on December 31, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA to Charles Emmett Bell and Helen Culp Bell. Charlie went to Drexel University where he played both varsity baseball and soccer. He was co-captain of his soccer team during his Senior year. He was President of Theta Chi Fraternity. He graduated from Drexel University with a B.S. in Commerce and Engineering and completed graduate studies at Xavier University. He spent his entire professional career at Westinghouse Electric, retiring after 34 years of service. While in Raleigh, NC he became the General Manager of the electric meter plant. He later managed the manufacturing plants in Pinetops, NC; Coral Springs, FL; O’Hara Township, PA; Orville, OH and Salinas, Puerto Rico. He finished his career as an Executive VP running four electrical power divisions in the US, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Brazil, Argentina, and Puerto Rico. While in Raleigh, he met his soul mate Mary Lou Macon in 1966. They soon married later that year. Charlie’s work moved the couple to Houston, TX, Pittsburgh, PA and Charlotte, NC until they settled in Raleigh, NC, where they raised two children, Charles and Alison.

In retirement, Charlie got involved with several charities and organizations including the NC State University Engineering Foundation and was Foundation Chairman for several years. Charlie was on the Board of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, NC Citizens for Business and Industry, UNC Business School Foundation and Southern National Bank. Charlie and Mary Lou enjoyed many social clubs and spending time with friends. Charlie was a strong Christian and along with his wife were long time members of White Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Charlie loved and cared for others. He was known for his outgoing, kind, compassionate, fighting spirit and his infectious smile. He had a strong work ethic and believed in the value of commitment. Charlie loved adventure. Early in his work career, he owned a small airplane and flew all over the US to see and entertain clients. He loved snow skiing and took his family on many ski trips to Colorado. He loved playing golf, which he enjoyed several times a week with friends while retired. Spending time in Atlantic Beach was one of his true joys. His greatest love was spending time with his wife of 54 years, Mary Lou, his children and their family which includes four grandchildren.

Charlie is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Helen Bell and brother, Bob Bell and his wife Pat from Philadelphia, PA.

He is survived by his loving wife Mary Lou; a son, Charles E. Bell III and wife Kathryn Bell of Raleigh; a daughter, Alison Bell Hawse and husband James Hawse of Raleigh; and four grandchildren, Elizabeth and Charles Bell IV, and Macon and James Hawse; brother and sisters-in-law, Baxter and Elsie Sapp of Durham; and six nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held at Oakwood Cemetery on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 2 pm, the following is a link to the recording of the service; https://fb.watch/3pcubPFWKE/

Memorials may be made on behalf of Charles Emmett Bell, Jr. to the Dementia Alliance of NC, 9131 Anson Way, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27615, The Salvation Army, 501 Archdale DR, Charlotte, NC 28217, or White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC 27608.

Services by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St, Raleigh.