Ralph Bell

Ralph Bell, age 90, passed away on November 3, 2018.  He was born on March 1, 1928 to the late Joe and Savannah Bell.  Mr. Bell was an avid outdoorsman and had a passion for hunting and fishing.  He was a loving family man and enjoyed farming and gardening as well.  Ralph spent a good part of his life out west in Washington State.  Like many, he left Macon County to find work in the timber industry.  While in Washington he worked as a logger and mechanic for Scott Paper.  His stay in the west was interrupted by the call to serve his Country in The Korean War.  After his time in service he once again returned to Washington to experience the outdoor lifestyle that he had fell in love with.

Mr. Bell is survived by his loving wife, Joann Bell, of 62 years.  In addition, he is survived by two daughters, Judy Bell, of Otto, and Barbara Watson (Jerry) of Otto; a son, Ralph Gregory Bell (Jill) of Franklin; Six grandchildren, Megan Riester of Waynesville, Kenny McCourt of Cullowhee, Brooke Breedlove of Franklin, Jerry Watson Jr. of Sylva, Chris Bell and Lauren Bell of Franklin; five great grandchildren, Benjamin Eli Roberts, Evan McCourt, Alex Breedlove, Zachary Breedlove, Jake Breedlove and Harper McCourt; Mr. Bell is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by four sisters, Kitty Hodgins, Lena Shope, Bertha Carpenter, Ruby Dills, Blanch Bradley and three brothers Harvey Bell, Robert Bell, and J.R. Bell.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Bryant Grant Funeral Home with Reverend Robert Dryman officiating.  Burial will follow at Rush Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Benjie Rogers, Daniel Brabson, Mike Bell, Dewie Houston, Larry Shope, and Terry Bell.  Honorary Pallbearers will include Kevin Bell, Bobby Brabson, Dale Morgan, and Bryan Bell.  The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105, by mail, 1-800-822-6344, by phone, or www.stjude.org , online.

Online condolences may be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.  Bryant Grant Funeral Home and crematory is serving the Bell family.

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