Billy Ray Bell Sr.

Billy Ray Bell, Sr. went to be with the Lord on April 28, 2024, in Houston, Texas after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was 81 years old. Bill was born on April 5, 1943, in Madison, Boone County, West Virginia to parents Johnny Bell and Sybil VandeLinde Bell. During his youth, Bill began a lifelong passion of hunting, trapping, and fishing. After attending school in Madison, Bill joined the United States Army where he was recognized for his skill and accuracy with a rifle. He proudly served as a member of the U.S. Army Rifle Drill Team. Bill was stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, where he met and married his loving wife of 61 years, Norma Faye Guest of Mexia, Texas.

Following his honorable discharge, Bill and Norma started their married life in the Washington, D.C. area. They later returned to Texas, living in Corsicana, Temple, Troy, and Axtell. Bill worked as a route driver and manager for Rainbow Bread, and then as a salesman and sales manager for Waco Meat Company. A short time before he retired in 2005, Bill and Norma settled on a small farm outside of Axtell where he enjoyed raising cattle, chickens and grandchildren. The house was easily recognizable by birdhouses Bill built and mounted on the fence posts along his driveway.

Bill’s greatest joy was his family. No matter the sport, hobby or event, Bill was ever present supporting his children and grandchildren. The accomplishments of his children and grandchildren were cause for pride and celebration at the Bell house. Bill was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jackie Bell, and his daughter Angela Marie Bell. He is survived by his wife, Norma; son Billy Ray Bell, Jr. and wife Cecilia of Moody; son Coy E. Bell and wife Kristi of Mansfield; and daughter Nancy B. Scales and husband Roger of Houston; as well as eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and many other dear friends and family members.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, May 3rd, 2024 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple, Texas. Funeral services will take place at the same location on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 10:00 am, followed by a graveside service at Mexia City Cemetery, 700 Evelyn Street, Mexia, Texas, at 2:30 pm.

Pallbearers will be Billy R. Bell, Jr., Coy E. Bell, Brandon Bell, Billy Trey Bell, Andrew Scales, Roger Scales, Sloan Page and Jimmy Underwood.