William was a proud veteran of the Army, and he carried that sense of duty and steadiness throughout his life. He later retired from Dealers Transport, where he worked as a truck driver.
Away from work, William found joy in simple, lasting pleasures: playing golf, and taking long drives on country roads with his wife.
He was “Poppy” not only in name but in spirit—warmly claiming that role for everyone who needed it, offering presence, laughter, and the kind of easy comfort that made people feel they belonged.
William was known for always having something funny to say, and those who loved him will especially remember his familiar send-off when it was time to go: “don’t go killing any dead snakes”.
He is survived by his loving wife Linda Bell; his children, William Bell Jr. (Linda), Jeffrey Bell (Pam), Stephanie Thompson (Mark), David Humphrey (Suzanne), and Mark Humphrey (Dianna); his grandchildren, Tonya Bell, Missy Justice, Cody Bell, Ashley Bell, Heather Ferguson (Jon), Jenna Toler, Taylor Mitchell (Tyler), Lucas Humphrey (Autumn), Noah Humphrey, Seth Humphrey, Derek Humphrey (Lena), Isaac Humphrey (Shelby), Kyrsten Lawrence (Garrett), Alex Humphrey (Mckenzie); great-grandchildren, Gracie, Easton, Hunter, Kaleb, Tinley, Talley, Mackenzie, Alex, Rosalia, Holland, Beckett, Avery, Hazel, Ivy and Callaway along with a host of extended family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings RJ Bell, Eugene Bell, and Garnett Bell.
Funeral services will be at 10 am on Monday, September 28, 2026, in the chapel of Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral (4895 N. Preston Hwy) with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens in Mt. Washington. Family and friends may pay their respects on Sunday from 3 pm till 8 pm and on Monday from 9 am till the time of service at 10 am.
