Ernest Louis Bell

Ernest Louis Bell , loving husband, father and grandfather went to be with his Lord on Saturday, September 27. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Lou McElroy Bell; daughters, Susan Pendleton (Bob), Judy Nichols (Jerry), Sarah Helmerich (Frank) and Joan Swearingen (Burke); grandchildren, Ashley Pendleton, Allison Pendleton Piercy (Matt), Heather Helmerich, John Helmerich, Ben Swearingen and Hannah Swearingen. He is also survived by one brother, Thomas Randolph Bell (Wanda) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Mannon Benjamin Bell, Sr and Fannie Bridges Bell; parent in-laws U.T. and Edria McElroy; brothers, M.B. Bell Jr. (Clarine), Homer Tate Bell (Jean), Harold Lee Bell (Ethelene); sisters, Mary Elizabeth Smith (Alton), Katie Lou Wright (Sam) and Daisy Pauline Edwards (Dow). Ernest was born in Sylvania, Alabama and enjoyed his early life farming with his family on Sand Mountain. He was drafted into the Army in June, 1943 during World War II. He served his country in the European Campaign stationed in England, France and Germany. He was awarded the Silver Star which represented five battle stars for Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alace and Central Europe. He earned the, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Private First Class in December 1945 and returned home to finished his high school degree at DeKalb County High School. After graduation he went to visit his friends, Alvin and Inez Butler, who were attending Auburn University. He fell in love with Auburn and stayed to earn a degree. He graduated from Auburn University in June, 1951 with a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture. He returned to Fort Payne, AL where he met Mary Lou. They were married on June 20, 1953. They moved to Birmingham where their first daughter was born. He had become a Christian and was baptized at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in December 1953. Ernest was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farmers Home Administration. During his career with the government he lived in Jasper, AL; Bay Minette, AL, and ended in Scottsboro. He retired with 30 years of service. Ernest and Mary Lou joined First Baptist Church, Scottsboro in 1963. While there he served his Lord as a deacon and on various committees. He was a member of the church choir for many years. He was known for visiting the homebound, church members and prospective new members. He often brought them something from the garden and played a tune on his harmonica. First Baptist award him “Deacon Emeritus”. He also went on 12 mission trips with Carpenter for Christ helping build churches in several states. Ernest was a member and regularly attended meetings of the National Association for Retired Federal Employees and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a member of TOUCH, a cancer survivor group. He volunteered with CASA and delivered for Meals on Wheels for 20 years. He regularly attended the Council on Aging Senior Center where he enjoyed many meals, playing bingo and visiting with the other senior citizens there. In March they celebrated his 90th birthday. Ernest volunteered much time speaking to schools about his experiences in the war and in appreciation was awarded an honorary high school degree from Sylvania High School. Because Ernest spent many years serving his community, visiting nursing homes and homebound senior citizens, delivering meals and speaking at schools he was inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in September 2007. Ernest had many hobbies including gardening, playing the harmonica, watching Auburn football, wood working and making wind mills. His greatest joys came from visiting with friends and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Ernest will forever be remembered for his big smile, sweet spirit, kind heart and encouraging words. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A visitation will be held at Scottsboro Funeral Home on Monday, September 29 from 5 pm-8pm. The funeral service will be at First Baptist Church, Scottsboro on Tuesday, September 30 at 1 PM with a graveside following at Mountain View Memory Gardens in Rainsville. In memory of Ernest, the family suggest donations be made to The Gideons International or First Baptist Church, Scottsboro.

Ernest Louis Bell

September 27, 2014