Saturday, May 4, 2024
Jerry Ray Bell was born in Belton on March 16, 1939, and passed away peacefully in his home in Wimberley on January 1, 2023. He was 83.
Jerry was educated in Moody, Texas where he graduated in 1957, excelling in all sports. After receiving a basketball scholarship to Howard Payne, he decided to stay home and commuted to Mary Hardin-Baylor and Temple Junior College where he received his AA degree and served as the President of the Student Body. He also lettered in basketball.
He worked at Scott and White Hospital in the X-ray department. In 1961, he joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the guided missile cruiser, the USS Albany. He was honorably discharged in 1967. He married Connie Bartek in 1963 in Temple, Texas, and after graduating from Sam Houston State University, the couple moved to Gatesville where Jerry became City Manager. Later, however, he received his teaching credentials and worked at the Gatesville School for Boys. Shortly thereafter, Jerry became a teacher and golf coach at Gatesville High School.
Jerry and Connie had their only child, son Bradly "Brad" Bell in 1970. Jerry retired in 1995, and he and Connie moved to Ruidoso, New Mexico where they enjoyed traveling, hiking, eating NM Mexican food, skiing and watching horse racing. Jerry loved watching TV, especially anything sports related to the Texas Longhorns.
Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Pearl Robinette Bell; his father, Armed B. Bell of Moody, Texas; his sister, Joyce Kimbro of Lake Belton, Texas; his brothers, Billy Bell of Lake Belton, Texas, Clarence Donald Bell of Rankin, Texas, and Jack A. Bell of Fruita, Colorado; and several nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Connie Bell of Wimberley, Texas; son, Bradly "Brad" Bell and wife, Brigitt, of Austin, Texas; and the joys of his life, triplet grandkids, Blythe Ann Bell, Brownlee Cash Bell, and Barrett Cole Bell of Austin, Texas.
Cremation was performed by Thomason Funeral Home in Wimberley, Texas. No service is planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home, 14700 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX 78676. For more information and to sign the online registry, please visit thomasonfuneralhome.com
