Harold A. Bell

Harold A. (Babe) Bell, 88, of Hardy, Va., joined our Lord peacefully in his home July 2, 2009. He was preceded in death by his mother; father; sister; son-in-law, Rob Pease; and most recently, his beloved brother, Ellsworth Bell. He leaves behind his wife, Norma Shumard Bell; and his only child, Sharon Bell Pease; and many extended family members. Babe was a World War II veteran proudly serving his country in Italy and Northern Africa as a railway battalion commander. He retired after 35 years from First Edison in Toronto, Ohio. He was the commander of the Toronto chapter of the VFW for several years. Babe loved fishing and bird watching and he loved working with his hands. Babe and Norma were married for 68 years and in the fall of 2007 Babe, Norma and Sharon were baptized together in Smith Mountain Lake by Pastor Tony Gray of Hales Ford Baptist Church. He will truly be missed by his wife and daughter and extended family. A memorial in his honor will be held in Toronto, Ohio at a later date. His nephews, Pastor Steven Bell and Musical Minister Brian Bell, will preside. His nephew, David Bell will offer the eulogy. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome. com. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, SML, 540-721-9375.