Joseph Wheeler Bell Jr.

Joseph Wheeler Bell, Jr. of Raleigh, NC passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the age of 92. He was born to Joseph Wheeler Bell, Sr and Pauline Maria Keinast Bell on October 12, 1933 in Washington, DC, where he grew up.

He met the love of his life, Joan Daily Bell, at Suitland High School where they both graduated. Joe and Joan were blessed with 72 years of marriage, five beautiful daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

Joe worked for Capital Airlines in Washington, DC before embarking on a long career with the US Government as a Computer Systems Analyst for the Marine Corp. He was passionate about playing softball, helping farmers by hunting groundhogs, biking, but, most of all, wood working. He was an all-around handyman and made beds, bookshelves, tables, or anything you needed or requested. If you knew Joe, you know a good joke was always on the tip of his tongue.

He is survived by Joan, his daughters; Joanne, Jeanine, Jeanette (Leon), Jami (Steve), and Jodi, his grandchildren; Teresa, Benjamin, Michael, Bradley, Lee, Matthew, Jonathan, Kelly, Nathan, Ryan, and Patrick, and his great-grandchildren; Amelia, Elizabeth, Daniel, Leo, and Magnolia.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 30, 2026, at North Raleigh United Methodist Church, 8501 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, NC 27615 with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joe’s honor to Habitat for Humanity at the link below under 'Donations'.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory/story of Joe or message of condolence for his family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.