Morris Richard Bell

Dick Bell was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, coach, veteran, and servant to his community. Throughout his life, he was known for his dedication to education, athletics, his country, his faith, and-most importantly-his family.

Dick attended Crestline Elementary School and Mountain Brook Middle School before attending Mountain Brook High School, where he played football and participated in track and field. His passion for athletics continued throughout his life. He attended Jacksonville State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education. He later pursued a master's degree in Secondary Education and continued his education through doctoral studies at the University of Alabama and Florida State University. After graduating from Jacksonville State University, Dick began his teaching career at Lipscomb Junior High School. He later answered the call to serve his country, becoming a United States Marine. He attended Officer Candidate School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, followed by artillery training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. His military service took him to Vietnam and Okinawa before he returned to Camp Pendleton, California.

Following his military service, Dick continued his calling as an educator and coach. He taught and coached at Lincoln High School before transitioning to higher education. He taught in the Physical Education Department at Jacksonville State University and served as the women's track coach at JSU. He also served as an Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Official.

Dick ultimately became a professor at Jacksonville State University, where he dedicated many years to education and mentoring students. He retired from JSU as a Professor Emeritus. His commitment to service extended well beyond the classroom Dick was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and was involved with the Marine Corps League, the American Legion, and the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville, where he served as president. He also served as a deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office.

Dick's faith was an important part of his life. He was a lifelong member of the First Christian Church in Birmingham, Alabama. After his marriage, he joined First Christian Church in Anniston, Alabama, where he served faithfully as a deacon, trustee, and board member. In his later years, he attended William Baptist Church.

Above all of his accomplishments, Dick cherished his family. He was married to his beloved wife, Judy West Bell, for 59 years. Together they built a life centered around love, family, faith, and service. Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Eugenia Heldon Bell Potts; his father Morris Bell; his stepfather, Robert Potts; and his son-in-law William Frintner.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy West Bell; his brother, Robert Shepherd Bell; his stepsisters, Roberta Shivers and Beth Potts (George); his daughter, Susan Bell Frintner; his grandchildren, Tristan Prater (Aaron), Kayli Hollingsworth (David Cooper), and Lacy Frintner (Josh Chesser); and his great-grandchildren, Artemis and Jiren Prater; Parker and Paeton Hollingsworth, Grayson Cooper; and Waverly Chesser; along with many extended family members, friends, former students, athletes, colleagues, and members of the communities he so faithfully served.

Dick leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond his years-- a legacy of education, athletics, military service, faith, leadership, and love for his family. He spent his life teaching others, coaching generations of athletes, serving his country and community, and giving generously of himself, He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever honored by the many lives he touched. His was a life of service, and legacy will live on through the people he taught, coached, mentored, served, and loved.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Williams, 5579 Nisbet Lake Rd, Jacksonville, AL 36265, US, on August 28, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the Funeral at the same location starting at 11:00 am. A Graveside service will take place at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 5349 AL-22, Stanton, AL 36790, US, on August 28, 2026, at 3:00pm. Pallbearers will be family and friends.