SURRY — Henry Lee Bell, 93, passed away Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 with his family at his side.

Born in Elberon, he was the son of the late William Perry and Lottie Jones Bell. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy N. Wells Bell, brother, Nick Bell, and sister, Laura Bell Carroll. He lived in Newport News and retired to Isle of Wight County.

An Army veteran of WWII, Henry received the Purple Heart medal, for meritorious service.  He then returned to Newport News Shipbuilding, retiring in 1984 as a foreman in the MI department., after 43 years of service.  

Henry will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and a devoted Christian.  In his young years, he grew up in Mill Swamp Baptist Church, and later was a member of Parkview Baptist Church, Newport News and Faith Baptist Church, Hampton.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Joseph “Joe” H. Bell and wife, Carolyn of Seaford; sisters, Hattie B. Vaughan, Helen B. Minton, and Mary Bell; brother, Charles Lee Bell (Linda); granddaughters, Wendy Bell Ray (Victor), Crystal Bell Truselo (Tom); great grandchildren, Austin and Riley Ray and Thomas and Joseph Truselo; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Family and friends will gather for visitation Tuesday, Feb. 23, 1-2 p.m. in Colonial Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a service celebrating Henry’s life at 2 p.m. with Pastor Frank Earwood and Pastor Larry Soblotme officiating. Burial will follow in Mill Swamp Church Cemetery with military honors.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Peninsula School for Autism Lower Elementary School, 11790 Jefferson Ave., Suite 300 Newport News, VA  23606.
Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton, Smithfield, Isle of Wight and the surrounding communities.  Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.