Tommy Bell

Tommy (Thomas) Ross Bell, 73, passed peacefully in the arms of his family on Sunday, February 28, 2021. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home Chapel, Wichita Falls, TX, with interment to follow at Crestview Memorial Park. Pastor Jon Curry of Grace Community Church will officiate.

Tommy was born on July 30, 1947 in Terrell, Texas to Frances Flowers Bell and Holton Ross Bell. He graduated from Terrell High School in 1965 and pursued a scholarship from Southern Methodist University to play college football. After the decision to forfeit his scholarship to redirect his life’s path, Tommy graduated from East Texas State University, Commerce, Texas and began his beloved career in the cattle industry in 1969, working tirelessly until his retirement in 2012. Tommy also served as a Director for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association from 2000-2002.

Tommy married the love of his life, Betty (Orgain), in April 1979 at the University Park gazebo, Dallas, with the park’s azaleas in full bloom. Tommy and Betty were blessed with two children, Brooke and Jordan, early during their 42 years of marriage. Tommy was known for his deep love for Betty and for his family, the deep regard he held for his closest of friends, and his tireless work ethic. No one will forget his quick wit, the pride he enjoyed in his immaculately manicured yard, his humble spirit, but most importantly, his handshake. Tommy enjoyed the challenge of winning in his Fantasy Football League against family members during the fall football season. Tommy attended all his children’s and grandchildren’s academic and sporting events up until the month before his death.

Tommy is preceded in death by his mother, Frances Bell, grandparents Thomas Earl and Ludie Flowers, two uncles, Clarence Spradlin and Thomas Earl Flowers, Jr., an aunt, Shirley Flowers, and mother-in-law, Johnnie Orgain.

Survivors include his wife, Betty, of Wichita Falls, his daughter, Brooke and Matt McLemore, of Windthorst, one son, Jordan Bell and Taylor Case of McKinney, four grandchildren, Landon, Lexsey, Lyvian, and Jordyn McLemore of Windthorst, brother-in-law Bill and Margie Orgain of Knox City, niece and great niece, Amber Orgain and Ocean of Abilene, one aunt, Juanita Spradlin of Forney, numerous cousins, extended lifelong friends, and many ACTS brothers.

Tommy faced the greatest challenges in his life from a cancer diagnosis in January 2019, fighting head-on each day with inspiring grace, dignity, and a profoundly positive attitude. The family would like to thank so many for your prayers and unwavering support during Tommy’s illness. A special thank you to God’s servants at Hospice of Wichita Falls and Wichita Home Health. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, TX 76310, Grace Community Church, 218 Ash Street, Archer City, TX 76351, or a favorite charity.