Raymond Noell

Raymond Archer Noell

Raymond Archer Noell, 91, of Bedford, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at his residence. He was born Friday, Dec. 19, 1919, in Bedford County, a son of the late Robert Benjamin Noell and Elizabeth Susan Dunn Noell. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Erselle Bryant. He was a retired automobile salesman and a member of Main Street United Methodist Church. Ray Noell was a genuine American hero and for his gallantry in action was awarded the medals to prove it. Ray was awarded the Silver Star for his action as a platoon leader in the hedgerow fighting in Normandy. He was also awarded the Purple Heart when he was wounded on Dec. 1, 1944, in Germany. Originally one of the Bedford Boys, Ray was one of the men singled out by Captain Taylor Fellers in 1942 for Officer Candidate School. As a result, he wasn't with Bedford's Company A on D-Day. He came ashore on D+2 on Utah Beach as a second lieutenant sent to replace a platoon leader who didn't make it. As stated in his silver star citation, Lieutenant Noell's resourcefulness and heroic fighting spirit reflect great credit upon himself and his military service. Ray was discharged from the military service in 1946, having obtained the rank of Captain.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Loretta Caliguri Noell; two sons, Richard Allen Noell & wife, Linda, of Harlington, Texas, James Raymond Noell & wife, Sherri, of San Jose, Calif.; a brother, Maynard Noell, of Bedford; nine grandchildren; and his nieces & nephews, Robert Bryant & wife, Rachel, Norma Powers & husband, Jimmy, Ronald Noell and Charlotte Hubbard, all of Bedford. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Elks Lodge #2844 Building Fund, P.O. Box 112, Bedford, VA 24253; or the National D-Day Memorial, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Main Street United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Les Trail officiating. Interment will follow in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call Monday after noon, and the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.