Frank Hugh Bell

Frank Hugh Bell, 66, passed away Friday, February 17, 2012, at home, in sight of the 18th fairway of his beloved Annandale Golf Course, following a year-long battle with cancer. His wife and daughter were at his side. Visitation will be Monday, February 20, 2012, at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home on Highland Colony Parkway from 5pm until 7pm. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at 2pm, with one hour visitation prior to the funeral home chapel service. A graveside service will follow

Frank was born November 18, 1945 in Jackson, Mississippi and was educated in the public schools in Jackson where he graduated from Provine High School. He received a B. A. from Mississippi State University and began his career in oil and gas exploration as a surveyor’s assistant for Seiscom Delta. While there he held various operational and marketing positions and traveled to South and Central America, Europe, Indonesia and Canada. He joined Geophysical Field Surveys in 1974 and retired from there in 1981as President. During this time he earned his private pilot’s license and enjoyed many hours of flying his planes.

In 1991 he began a second career as a member of Sheriff Malcolm McMillin’s Hinds County Sheriff’s Reserve, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain and Commander of the unit.

Frank acquired his love of golf as a teenager and achieved much success in tournaments over the years. He made many lifelong friends on the golf course and particularly enjoyed playing with his best friend, Tico Hoffman. An avid supporter of the PGA golf tournament held at Annandale, he and Tico played in every Pro/Am tournament (except 2011) since it moved to Madison County.

Frank was a member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, the International Association of Geophysical Contractors (VP 1979-80), Jackson Geophysical Society (Pres. 1977-78) and a proud founding member of Annandale Golf Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Aubrey Bell and Sara Elizabeth (Jagers) Bell.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Patricia Haggard Bell and daughter Stephanie Christine Bell. Also, his sister, Caroline Bell Lamar, her husband, Dr. Percie L. Lamar III, their daughter, Emily Lamar, an aunt, Anna Ruth Trainer, a nephew, three nieces, sisters and brothers-in-law and numerous cousins.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bobby Graham and his staff at Jackson Oncology, the wonderful and caring staff at Hospice Ministries, especially Nurse Marie and aide Billy, and Frank’s nighttime aides Janet and Tracy.

Pallbearers will be Prentiss Fatherree, Fritz Kronberger, Tico Hoffman, Ron Henderson, Nick Clark, Wendell Watts, Dave Craig, and Bryan Orr.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.