Tommy Bell

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Tommy Bell who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Tommy was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Tommy knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community. Tommy was born on December 30, 1927 at The old Lynchburg Hospital, located on Hollins Mill Road in Lynchburg, Virginia. His parents were Raymond T. Bell, Sr. and Edna Gregory Bell. Tommy was raised in in Lynchburg. Even as a youngster, Tommy learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life. Tommy's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Tommy enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Tommy took part in very few sports. In his spare time he liked to read. He read the encyclopedias from A - Z, cover to cover, He also liked collecting stamps and Science. Tommy's memorable achievements included the fact he educated himself of the entire town of Lynchburg. In school, Tommy was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Tommy was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Tommy’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Lynchburg High, now known as E. C. Glass High School in 1944. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was science and any other class he could get away with goofing off. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Ole Miss Ware. Tommy’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. Tommy’s orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track but often put him ahead of schedule. When Tommy saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. His favorite courses were business classes. Tommy was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Tommy was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Tommy came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jerry Falwell, Sr., several attorney's, two mayors, Red Whitten, many doctors and business owners. Too many to mention. Later in life, he became friends with Revely Coleman, Jim Camden, Richard Cunningham, Mich Pettyjohn, Roger Wade, Wayne Riddle and Boyce Allen. An objective and conscientious individual, Tommy reveled in the security of his family. On September 2, 1987 Tommy exchanged wedding vows with Judy Darlene Lockhart Cash, and his first wife was the late Dorothy Napier Bell who passed away August 26, 1971. One of Tommy’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends. Tommy was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Tommy would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Tommy was blessed with one child, Cathy Lynn Bell Saunders. They were also blessed with two grandchildren and three step-grandchildren, Prisilla, Thomas, Aalan, Cody and Brooke. Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Tommy was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Tommy was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Tommy upheld his standards. His primary occupation was Insurance. He was employed for 36 years with Home Beneficial Insurance Company. Tommy was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.” Tommy was a veteran of the US Navy. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in Annapolis, Maryland. Tommy saw action for World War II. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Seaman Apprentice, E-2. Tommy approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were stamp collecting and he loved to build. Tommy was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Tommy to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included golf. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and golf. Being generous with his time and energy, Tommy liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Tommy was an active member of the Lynchburg Elk's Lodge #321. A civic-minded person, Tommy was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Tommy was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Elks Lodge, He was the sole person responsible for bringing the Clyde Beaty - Cole Brothers Circus to Lynchburg. He also was a past Exalted Ruler. Politically, Tommy was independent. During these years, Tommy applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees. Faith was important to Tommy. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a life long member of College Hill Baptist Church. When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Tommy used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Tommy had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Myrtle Beach. Tommy was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Tommy’s favorites was Buffy, Binki & Madison. They were best friends for 13 years. His family was rounded out by his two dogs Piddle and Buffy. He also loved to hand feed the squirrels in his yard every day. When Tommy’s retirement finally arrived in 1990, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relaxing in Lynchburg. In retirement, he found new pleasure in golf and building. In many ways, Tommy loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities. OBITUARY Tommy passed away on February 9, 2020 at his home in Forest, Virginia. He is survived by his wife Judy and daughter Cathy. All who knew him would agree that Tommy was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Tommy Bell did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person. Raymond Thomas “Tommy” Bell, Jr., 92, of Lynchburg passed away peacefully Sunday, February 9, 2020 at his residence. Born in Lynchburg, December 30, 1927, he was the son of the late Raymond T. Bell and Edna Gregory Bell. Tommy was a US Navy veteran of WWII and retired from Home Beneficial Insurance Co. after 36 years of service. He was a member of BPOE lodge #321 for over 40 years and was a past Exalted Ruler. Tommy was also known by many as the “Candy Man” he loved giving away candy to friends and family and had a “free” candy store at his home. He also loved animals. Tommy enjoyed hand feeding the squirrels in his yard every day and loved his dogs Buffy, Baby, Binki and Madison. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Judy C. Bell; his daughter, Cathy Bell Saunders and her husband Wesley; two step-children, Edward Cash and wife Bonnie and Melessa King and husband Paul; two grandchildren, Priscilla J. Saunders and Wesley T. Saunders; two great grandchildren, Kaley Saunders and Lauryn White; three step-great grandchildren, Aalan Walker, Cody Cash and Brooke Cash and three special friends, Richard Cunningham and Mich Pettyjohn and Pastor Tom Tascone. The family would like to gratefully acknowledge Makenzi, Melissa, Penny and Alli with Gentle Shepherd Hospice and his sitter, Tiana for the loving care and attention they provided. A private gathering of friends will be scheduled at a later date. The family requests memorial contributions to honor Tommy be made to the Lynchburg Humane Society. The family requests friends go to www.whittentimberlake.com to submit tributes and your favorite stories about Tommy.