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1937
2019
Chapel Hill — Graham Alonzo Bell, 81, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 3, 2019, at UNC Hospital.
Graham was born on December 16, 1937, in Elizabeth City, NC, to Graham Whitehurst Bell and Fannie Owens Bell. He graduated from Fork Union Military Academy in 1955 and afterward from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He married Mary Rose Cooper in 1958 and, after graduating, went to work with his father at Commercial and Industrial Bank which was eventually acquired by NCNB later known as NationsBank and now Bank of America. After retiring from the bank, he managed Liebers Sanitation until it was purchased by Waste Management. He also developed commercial properties and managed some of them.
Graham enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling with friends. He was fond of saying, "Not all who wander are lost." He never left home without a backroads map and often preferred to take the road less traveled.
An avid Tar Heels fan, Graham enjoyed sharing his football and basketball tickets with family and friends. His last days were spent in a hospital room with a view of the campus he dearly loved.
Graham was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville. He also served on the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation and Advisory Boards.
As an active member of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, Graham served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, with the carpentry ministry, and on numerous committees over the years. He looked forward to the Tuesday morning prayer group and serving breakfast at Operation Inasmuch.
Left to cherish his memory are his children Graham Whitehurst Bell II (Gray) and wife Mariluz Carrion Bell; Stephen Scott Bell; Elizabeth Rose Bell; grandchildren Stephen Michael Deininger-Bell, Blake Allen Collier, Cooper Chamberlain Bell, Rhiannon Elizabeth Bell, Chamberlain Elizabeth Collier, Payton Rose Collier, Arianna Ashton Fuller-Bell, and Maria
Rose Bell; sister Mary Owens Bell Fitzgerald; sister-in-law Margaret Jane Cooper Clemmons and husband, Thruston Clemmons Jr;; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Graham leaves an amazing Christian testimony to his children and grandchildren of God's redemptive and healing power (To God be the glory!), but he also leaves a great void in our lives. We take comfort in knowing that we will see him again and will spend eternity with him.
A celebration of Graham's life will be held at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. The family will receive friends in the church Gathering Hall following the service
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fayetteville Area Operation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sorry we did not sign the guest book at the service when we were there.
Sherrie and John Olson
January 15, 2019
Tim & Marilia Gannon
January 12, 2019
Graham was my City Executive with NCNB, now Bank of America, in 1972 after having graduated from college at Methodist. He gave Mr. Leonard McLeod the final approval to hire me as I will always be forever grateful as I learned a great deal about banking and the business world under Graham's watch. He was a good boss, friend, and mentor. God bless the family. A lot of great memories.
Jerry Clemmons
January 12, 2019
Jerry Clemmons
January 12, 2019
Brian Shirey
January 11, 2019
My sincere condolences to Graham's family and the many friends he has helped over the years. His friendship and guidance was a blessing to me and so many others. He was a bright light to so many here and I am sure that light will still shine as bright in his heavenly home.
Ann Lewis
January 11, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family of Graham Bell. I've be blessed to call him my friend for only 5 years, but oh what inspiration he brought to our group of friends. He was always willing to share his time with genuine love and compassion to help lift someone up. Happy that I have been able to bask in the sunshine of his smile and feel the strength of his hugs. May God Bless this family with his Grace and Peace.
MARSHA WHEELER
January 11, 2019
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers
Wendy Gadeberg
January 11, 2019
My friendship with Mary Owens and Graham goes back many many years....to Fannie, Graham Sr and Aunt Mary....all wonderful friends.....Mary Rose and Graham had great faith.............Ramon Yarborough
January 11, 2019
Ramon Yarborough
January 11, 2019
I am heartbroken at the passing of such a dear man...Graham always had time to talk and counsel if I had the need. I am privileged to call him friend - May God comfort those left behind knowing he is with his Savior and Redeemer.
Prayers of peace and comfort to the family-~
Sharon Phillips
January 10, 2019
Our sincere condolences to the Bell family.
Valley Home Care and Associates
Charity Smith
January 10, 2019
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