To view the funeral service on Monday, September 11, 2023, at 11:00amEST, please use the following link:

http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/92344

In the early morning hours of September 2, 2023, God whispered his name, and Richard Carlton Bell, Sr. received the highest honor and made the transition to his permanent Heavenly Home. Beloved husband, endearing father and grandfather, devoted brother, and faithful friend, Bell, as he was fondly called, was born on December 20, 1953, to the late Vernon L. and Lillian Rose Kelly Bell. He was a Norfolk native and spent a lifetime making friends wherever he went.

Bell was educated in the Norfolk Public Schools System and a proud 1972 graduate of Norview Senior High School. He later completed coursework at Tidewater Community College. Bell was a proud United States Army veteran and after his 1975 honorable discharge, returned home to Norfolk, VA. Bell worked at Norfolk Public Schools and retired after 42 years as a Custodial Area Manager.  During his tenure at Norfolk Public Schools, he worked at numerous schools and was known for his hard and dedicated work ethics, his friendly demeanor, and sense of humor. After retirement, Bell worked for GCA Services Group, and shortly before his illness, Riddick Funeral Service.

Bell accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, and was a member of Olive Grove Baptist Church, Norfolk, VA. He was a member of the Olive Grove Men's Usher Board.  Bell was a Prince Hall Affiliated Mason and Shriner. As such, Bell was a member of Rising Sun Lodge No. 2, Alpha and Omega No. 9 Consistory, and Arabia Temple No.12.  He also held membership in the American Legion Post No. 5.

Bell leaves many family members and friends to cherish his memory to include his devoted and faithful wife of 39 years, Lenora A. Bell; children, Mechelle B. Smith, PhD., Richard C. Bell, Jr. (Amber), and Melody L. Speed (Samuel); grandchildren, Destany, Shoulyn, Zachary, Camryn, SaNiyah, Samuel and Messiah. Also left to cherish his memory are his loving siblings, Ronald Bell, Sr. (Gladys), Linda Turner, and Vernon "Bruce" Bell; his sister and brothers in-law, Renita Jordan (Wailon, Sr.), Bernard Smith, and Benjamin Smith (Beatrice); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and plentiful friends, including his best childhood friend and "brother," Willie Sibley, Jr., his close Masonic brothers, Preston Wells, Sr., Earl Valentine, and Robert Gwynn; and, special neighbors Lloyd and Marguerite Lamb .

Bell never met a stranger. He was well known throughout the greater Tidewater area and Virginia. Bell was fondly referred to as the Mayor of Widgeon Road and could not sit on the front porch or cut his lawn without someone honking their horn or yelling his name. He enjoyed fishing, crabbing, grilling, hosting the biggest and best cookouts, and traveling with his family.  We will be amiss if there was no mention of the fact that he was a loyal fan of the Washington Commanders football team for over 40 years, through the wins and losses.

Bell's presence, his love for Christ, positive attitude, his willingness to give a hand-up, and sense of humor will be truly missed by all who loved and cherished him. While our hearts are broken, we know that God makes no mistakes. Our Savior gives us the assurance that one day, the faithful shall all receive the call to join him in his Kingdom.

Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of thy Lord. ~ Matthew 25:23