Christopher James Bell

Christopher James Bell, 64, went home to heaven peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 26, 2025. The second of seven children, Chris was born on May 3, 1960 to Virgil Leroy Bell and Carol Ann Bell in Walterboro, South Carolina. He grew up in Lodge, South Carolina where he worked on the family dairy farm until he was 14 years old. Soon after, the family moved to Costa Rica where they invested in the community through a ceramic shop and roller-skating rink. In 1977, the family moved from Costa Rica to Fruitland Park, Florida to open Sunshine Ceramics, later known as Florida Pottery (located in Leesburg). Chris graduated from Leesburg High School and went to Lake Sumter Community College. At Lake Sumter, he met the love of his life, Joyce Boutwell. They were married in Fruitland Park on August 29, 1980.
Chris worked in the family pottery business until the late eighties, when he opened Disability Consultants with his mom, Carol Bell. The business flourished and in 2010, his son Jeff joined him as the third generation of Bells helping people get the Social Security benefits they deserve.
In 1994, Chris was elected as Commissioner for the city of Fruitland Park for the first time. In 2005, he was elected Mayor of Fruitland Park. He was the last mayor to be elected by the community he loved and served faithfully for over thirty years. He was instrumental in the creation and development of many of the parks throughout Lake County.
Chris loved life and his family. He spent countless years coaching his kids and his grandkids in community sports. Chris also enjoyed boating and traveling with his wife and kids; but his greatest passion was following Jesus Christ. Chris taught Sunday School, led the children's ministry, went on mission trips, and served as a Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Fruitland Park (now Heritage Community Church). One of his fondest memories and favorite projects was starting a Christmas Drive-thru depicting live action scenes from the life of Jesus.
Chris is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joyce Boutwell Bell; son, Christopher Bell II (Rachel); daughter Jacqueline Blake (Joshua); son, Jeffrey Bell (Bibi); daughter, Cari Lucas (Andrew), 10 grandchildren who was "Pepaw's" pride and joy; brother, Roland Bell; brother, Daniel Bell (Melissa); sister, Beth Osborne (Randall); sister, Daphine Harvey (Paul); sister, Jennifer Keller (Steven); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Chris and Joyce were also known by many as unofficial "foster" parents to many children and students in the community, as their house remained the preferred hang-out "eight days a week".
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Beyers Funeral Home, 1123 W. Main St, Leesburg, FL 34748. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, 3:00 PM with visiting hours from 2:00 PM till 3:00 PM at Heritage Community Church, 509 W Berckman St, Fruitland Park, FL 34731: Pastor Randall Hosea, Pastor Daniel Fogle, and Pastor Sidney Brock officiating. Interment to follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Fruitland Park, FL.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bell of Lake, in care of the Bell of Lake legacy fund, which was created to give grants to non-profit organizations, P.O. Box 625, Fruitland Park, FL 34731.
Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.