CHARLES REID BELL August 9, 1924 - November 7, 2012 Charles Reid Bell (Charlie) of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on November 7, 2012 at the age of 88 following a brief stay in the hospital. He was born on August 9, 1924 to Frank Fairfield and Willie Maude Wilson Bell in Fresno, California. As a young man he helped his father build a family cabin at Dinkey Creek, north of Fresno in the Sierra Nevada, which became the yearly gathering place for the Bell family vacations. Like many of his "Greatest Generation", Charlie enlisted in the US Navy at age 18 and served for four years in World War II in the Pacific Theatre aboard the USS Pollux. His navy experience has been the source of countless family stories of history, heroism, and laughter. During the early years of the war he attended Fresno State College and the University of Texas. After the war he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Industrial Engineering and was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. Soon after college he married the love of his life, Janice Olive Polson, with whom he was married for over 63 years. Charlie was successful in business as he was in life. He joined Producers Cotton Oil Co. in 1949 as a Gin Manager Trainee in Fresno, eventually rising to the position of Vice President & General Manager of the Arizona Division. He had a distinguished career in the cotton business working closely with the many farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness people during Arizona's post-WWII boom period. He served as President of both the Arizona and National Cotton Ginners Associations, and received the National Ginner of the Year Award. He was recognized by the University of Arizona with the Distinguished Citizen Award and the Award of Merit for his countless hours of service to the Agricultural College. He also served as a member of the Advisory Committee to the School of Agribusiness at Arizona State University. Charlie continued to serve the industry after retirement. He was appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to serve on the U.S. Lemon Administrative Committee. He also served as a consultant to The World Bank with assignments in Egypt and Uzbekistan to improve local cotton production methods and the privatization of cotton ginning in those countries. Throughout this time Charlie also established a 660 acre citrus farming operation in Yuma, Arizona and served on the Board of Directors of Associated Citrus and Dole Citrus cooperatives. Charlie was a sportsman and eager participant in many activities. He enjoyed golf, skiing, fishing, dancing, hiking, traveling, and spending time at his summer home in Flagstaff. He was a longtime member of the Phoenix Rotary 100, Valley Presbyterian Church, Phoenix Country Club and Aspen Valley Golf Club in Flagstaff where he relished spending time with his many friends. He is survived by his wife, Janice; daughter Lauren Bruns; sons Randal, Gregory (Joan), and Jeffrey (Pamela); sisters Thelma Anderson and Fritzie Bell; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Private services will occur in December at Valley Presbyterian Church, Scottsdale. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Salvation Army, Southwest Division, Attn: Dev. Dept., 2707 E. Van Buren St. Phoenix, AZ 85008, www1.usw.salvationarmy.org or other favorite charity. An on-line guest book may be found at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/azcentral/. Charlie Bell epitomized a life well-lived and he serves as an inspiration to his family and friends.
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Jan and Lauren, it was sad to hear of Charlie's passing, I have good memories from my conversations with him. Our sincere condolences from Sue and I.
Miguel & Sue Paz Soldán
Miguel & Sue Paz Soldán
December 3, 2012
Jan, I just want you to know that this Theta sister is thinking of you. Charlie was "one of a kind" and so are you. You're in my prayers -- Barb
Barbara Callison
November 24, 2012
The Bissett family was saddened to learn of Charlie's passing. Our sympathies to Janice and family.
Adele Bartholomew
November 21, 2012
To Janice and to Charles's family: I know your loss and feel your pain and as an Officer with valley national bank in Glendale in the 60's I got to know Charles quite ell for in my work for the bank not only did I visit on a regular basis the farm labor camps but would drop many of the gin's through out the Valley and visit with Charles. Charles was very well respected by his peers in the farming community in general but especially with his work in cotton farming. many of the bank's customers were cotton farmers who Charles did business. It was my pleasure to know Charles and to call him a friend and I am saddened by his death. Charles your work here on earth is complete and now it's time to rest in peace up yonder. May you rest in Peace and maybe one day when the Lord calls me home I shall once again see my wife of 54 years Lois,you and many others who have gone before me. This Thanksgiving will be tough on your family but I wish them God's speed for it was this time of the year when Lois went to be with the Lord so I do understand what they shall experience. God's speed and Rest In Peace. L.Hiram(Larry)Adams
November 21, 2012
So sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. We will miss a great neighbor up here in
Flagstaff.
Martin Valentine
November 19, 2012
My most sincere condolences to you Jan, Lauren, and other family members. We had many wonderful years as Arcadia neighbors and Valley Presbyterian Church members.
Richard Fawley
November 19, 2012
Charlie was our great friend, and the key partner in BB-W -- he will be missed by his many friends and loving family.
Lyla Brewer MonPere
November 19, 2012
Charlie Bell was a great man. He believed in me and gave me a chance in the ginning business which I will remain eternally greatful for. He truely was an inspiration to myself and I attribute much of my success to him. Charlie had a wonderful life. Tim & Connie Genrich
November 19, 2012
I enjoyed my time with Charlie at Phoenix Rotary 100. He was always active and engaged in club activities and projects.
May his soul be bound up in the bonds of eternal life.
Steve Goldston
Steve Goldston
November 18, 2012
Rest In peace Charlie. From Bob French in Fresno Ca.
November 18, 2012
Dear Jeff & Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of the death of your Dad. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Debbie Ahler
November 18, 2012
Janice Sory about Charlies passing.I remember our great visits in Phenox. Jim Graham
November 18, 2012
Thank-you Mr. Bell for your service to our country!
Pam
November 18, 2012
To all of Charlie's friends and family accessing this legacy from the Fresno Bee: Please go to http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/azcentral/ to view an extended obituary and biography, and please leave your message to the family at either web address on legacy.com
Gregory Bell
November 17, 2012
Dear Janice and family,
Tom and I are saddened and surprised by the news of Charlie's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are sent to you. We hope to see you next summer in Flagstaff. With love, Gretchen and Tom Dalzell
November 15, 2012
Greatest Opa EVER.
Alyssa Keegan
November 15, 2012
Dear Jan and Family -- We are so saddened to learn of Charlie's passing. He was definitely one of the Good Guys in this world.
Our deepest sympathy,
Joe and Nancy Contadino
November 14, 2012
Jan..you and your family have our deepest sympathy. We thought the world of Charlie. God bless.
Mary Ellen and Michael Francis
November 11, 2012
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