George G Bell Jr.

George Guice Bell, Jr, 82, passed away at The Blake in Flowood, Mississippi, January 22, 2026. He was born to George Guice Bell and Sharlyne “Tina” Whittington Bell October 30, 1943, in Jackson, Mississippi. George was a leader and a problem solver with a great sense of humor. He was an optimist who looked for the best in people and circumstances. George was an adventurer who loved meeting new people, exploring the great outdoors, traveling, photography, motorcycles and snow skiing.

He graduated from Murrah High School (1961) in Jackson and the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. George was a Lieutenant in the Army (1966-68) and served in Viet Nam, where he was awarded a Bronze Star for valor under fire.

After his military service he returned to Jackson to join the family business, George Bell Carpets and George Bell Oriental Rug Cleaning and Repair, helping it become the largest floor covering business in the Southeast by 1970. George had a brilliant mind.

He was an inventor and was awarded patents. His company, Un-Common Carriers, built and marketed America’s first minivans.

George had a heart for missions. At great personal risk he frequently traveled to Turkey to carry the Gospel to a nation hungry to hear the truth about Jesus Christ. He served on mission teams performing repairs and renovations to church buildings all over America and supported many pastors in third world countries. Although he suffered dementia in his waning years, he never stopped sharing the Gospel. Even in his last days he was seen constantly raising his arms to heaven proclaiming, “Praise God!”

His retirement years allowed him to enjoy working on countless projects on his farm near Crystal Springs, Mississippi, where he enjoyed the companionship of his first dog, GG.

He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years Sandra Parkinson Bell of Flowood, his son George Guice Bell, III, daughter Shelby Bell Pike (Bruce Edward) of Sarasota, Florida, three grandchildren, Dean Jackson Pike, SadieRae Marie Pike and Bruce Edward Pike IV, his step children, Dr. George Michael Atkinson (Sarah) of Madison, Emma Lowry Atkinson of Birmingham, Alabama, Michael Benjamin Atkinson of Jackson and Grace Elizabeth Atkinson of Oxford, Mississippi, his sisters, George Annis Breslau of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Sharlyne “Sankky” Butler of Madison and his brother James Douglas Bell (Joanne) of Crystal Springs.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, Mississippi, with visitation at 1:30 pm and a service to follow at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to support missions at New Zion Baptist Church, 12023 New Zion Road, Crystal Springs MS, 39059, or to another charity of your choice.