Donald "DB" Ray Bell

On June 26, 1955, in the small town of Lockesburg, AR, Mervin and Juanita Bell welcomed Donald Ray “Don” Bell into this world. He was their fourth and final child. Don attended Mount Carmel United Methodist Church where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in his early teen years.

Growing up, Don attended Sevier County high school where he was active in basketball. Following high school, he attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR. It was on the campus that he joined the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. To his fraternal brothers, he was known as “DB.” He was number eight of nine on a line called “Mind Bending Nine,” that crossed in the spring of 1974.

Also, while on Henderson’s campus, Don met and married Sharee Calhoun. To this union, one child, Ryan Bell, was born.  Following college, Don and Sharee moved to Little Rock, AR, where they became members of First Baptist Church Highland Park. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Sharee in 1994.

Don was no stranger to hard work. He spent countless hours fixing and building things for family and friends. He had a particular gift with paint. In his younger years, he and his brother co-owned a paint store called ColorMart Paint.  Don was exceptional in his ability to mix paint and match colors by sight, even better than any computer.

He always had a desire to help others, and he truly served God by serving others. Anyone who knew Don knew that his greatest love was his family. He never missed a family gathering and he was always the light of the party. He would always show up with is signature chicken spaghetti packed full to the brim with cheese.

Of all his titles, no doubt his favorite was that of “Papa,” which he was affectionately called by his grandsons, Jaylen and Jonathan Bell. His heart burst with pride whenever he had the opportunity to brag on the many accomplishments of his grandsons.

Don was preceded in death by his parents (Mervin and Juanita Bell), his wife (Sharee Bell), numerous uncles and aunts, one nephew, and one niece.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Ryan Bell; his grandsons, Jaylen and Jonathan Bell, his siblings, Judy (Emanuel) McGhee of Tulsa, OK, Cynthia McKinney of Camden, AR, and Michael (Linda) Bell of Little Rock, AR; his companion, Ann Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Don's Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023, at 11:00 A. M., at First Baptist Highland Park Church in Little Rock. A visitation will be held at the church that morning, from 10:00-11:00 A. M. His earthly body will be laid to rest at Holly Springs Cemetery in Lockesburg, Arkansas. 

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