Ellis William Bell

Mr. Ellis William Bell “Buddy Bell” was born on June 10, 1952 to the late John Henry and Piccola Bell. At an early age he accepted Christ into his life at Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
 

While in school, his eagerness to learn, and exceptional attention to detail, would allow him to excel in his studies and eventually skipping 1st and 8th grades due to his high GPA. After graduating, as the first black, from Cottonwood High School he joined the U.S. Army, where he became an active member of the color guard. 
 

He then married Minnie Bell and to this union four children were born. After fulfilling his duties in the Military, receiving many awards achievements and medals, including the requisition of the placing of the helicopter at the Alabama Welcome Center near the Alabama and Florida stateline. He then became a civilian, where he continued his dedication to service men as a Civil Service Worker and later on retiring August 5, 1994. 
 

In the midst of all this, he found a way to further his education. Attending Wallace Community College earning his certificates in Small Engineer, Optical Mechanics and Sheet Metal. And after all of these things he would forward on continuing his journey as a husband, wonderful father, brother and friend.
 

He preceded in death by his parents: John Henry and Piccola Bell; brothers: Johnny, Wavon C, Charles, Frank, Seaven and Willard; sisters: Mamie, Ethel and Anna; mother-in-law: Minnie Lee Key Perry.
 

He leaves to cherished his precious memories a wife: Minnie Bell; five loving children: Natasha Bell, William Bell, Shannon (Anita) Bush, John Bell, and Rozelon Bell all of Dothan, Alabama; twenty grandchildren; sisters: Victoria Davis of St. Augustine, Florida, Essie Pryor of Dothan, Alabama, Beauty (Bobby) McBride of Dothan, Alabama,  and Mae Rose (Connie) Cody of Dothan, Alabama; father-in-law: Moses Barkley; sister-in-law: Willa McKinnie; brother-in-law: Ted Davis and Judge Dean; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
 

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