Thomas Franklin Bell, 72, of Alma, passed away Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at his home. He was born October 14, 1946 in Heber Springs to the late Thomas Junior and Edna Faye Bell. He was a loving husband, a great father, grandfather (Pawpaw), and great-grandfather – he will be greatly missed.
He was a 1964 graduate of Cabot High School, a proud Vietnam Veteran, an OTR truck driver, and owner of TJ Bell's Quick Pick, TJ’s Auto Sales, Liberty Bell’s Recovery Services, and Bell’s Fireworks. He never met a stranger.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Darlene Bell of the home; two daughters, Lisa Garris of Fort Smith, and Lynda Applegate and husband Deron of Oak Ridge, TN; a son, James Bell of Lavaca; nine grandchildren, TC Dime and wife Shelby Lynn of Alma, Paige Dime of San Antonio, Zoe Beatty of Oak Ridge, TN, Brittany Bell of Springdale, Alyssa Bell of Fort Smith, Ashlyn Bell of Greenwood, Terry Don Garris of Fort Smith, Tori Garris and wife Autum of Van Buren, and Chloe Garris of Fort Smith; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with interment at the Fort Smith National Cemetery on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.
Pallbearers will be Gary Lindsey, Jonathan Dime, Bradley Ridenour, Ted Ridenour, Ed Dime, and Robert Hughes. Honorary pallbearers will be Chuck Pachal, Chris Shelly, and James Harper.
The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2019, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5