Harold B. Bell

Dr. Harold B. Bell was born and reared in Seneca, South Carolina. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. James Bruce Bell of Seneca. He was married to the former Charlene Meacham of Memphis, Tennessee, and has two children, Sherri James, from Greer, South Carolina, and Steven Bell, from Austin, Texas.
In addition are a brother, James Bell and wife Patricia and their children, Bruce, Sarah, and Keith from Spartanburg, South Carolina; grandchildren, Brandy James, Melissa James, and Myles Bell; and greatgrandchildren, Sammy Borders, Myles Jr., Alora Bell, and Nalani Bell.
Dr. Bell was an optometric physician practicing in Seneca and Clemson, since 1960, with a passion to make people see without glasses.
He was a 1952 graduate of Seneca High School. His pre-med education, primarily was obtained at Furman University, Clemson University, and the Medical Division of the University of Tennessee. He received his Optometric Doctorate Degree at Southern College of Optometry, in Memphis, Tennessee in 1957.
While at Furman University, he was a member of the Bonhomie Year Book, Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) social fraternity, serving as Crysopholos, a member of the American Chemical Society, and a Saxophone player in University Bands.
While at Southern College of Optometry, he served as president of the South Carolina Optometric Club, a member of Omega Delta professional fraternity and assistant professor of the Visual Training Clinic.
After graduation, he was a commissioned officer in the US Air Force Medical Corp, for three years as director of the Biggs Air Force Eye Division in El Paso, Texas and Holloman Air Force Missile Development Center at White Sands, New Mexico. Dr. Bell has been very active in the Seneca area, receiving the "Young Man of The Year Award" and served as president of the Seneca Jaycees, Lions Club and Sertoma Club.
He also has been active statewide, serving as president of the "South Carolina Optometric Physician Association", and the "Piedmont Optometric Society".
In recognition of these significant contributions to the visual welfare of the public and advancement of the Optometric profession in South Carolina, Dr. Bell received the South Carolina Optimetric Association Clarence L McEachern Hall of Fame Award in 2009 for his distinguished career of service and dedication to the advancement of its causes, Dr. Bell was an associate of the "Eye and Contact Lens Associates".
Per Dr. Bell's request, a private family service will be held at Oconee Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Dr. Bell and his family would like to Thank the staff of Lila Doyla, The Residence of Park Place, Seneca Health and Rehab, and the Rainey Hospice House for providing care and compassion during his final days.
Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.
SANDIFER FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE BELL FAMILY