John Lawrence Bell MD

John Lawrence BeIl, MD, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on November 25, 2025. Born on December 4, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio, to James Lawrence Bell and Helen Schoeppel Bell, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and physician.

John graduated from E.B. Erwin High School in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1971. He went on to attend the University of Alabama, graduating in 1975, and then earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine in 1980. He completed his general surgery residency at UAB in 1986 and a fellowship in surgical oncology at M.D. Anderson in 1988.

In 1974, while in Tuscaloosa, he met the love of his life, Beverly Barclay of Scottsboro, Alabama. They married and built a beautiful life together, raising three daughters. John was immensely proud of his children, his six grandchildren, and his three sons-in-law. Family was central to his life, and he cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, especially during family travels.

Although he remained a devoted Alabama fan, John was recruited to Knoxville, Tennessee in July 1988 to develop a Division of Surgical Oncology in the Department of Surgery at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. He ultimately achieved the rank of Professor and served as Chair of the Division of Surgical Oncology. As the founder of the Cancer Institute, he laid the groundwork for many of the programs and achievements that continue to shape the institution today.

John was a gifted mentor and a passionate advocate for patient-centered care. His knowledge and kindness, sincerity, and genuine compassion touched everyone who knew him. A visionary and innovative leader, he transformed cancer care across the East Tennessee region and received numerous regional and national professional honors. His expertise and humanity made him deeply respected by both colleagues and the community.

Outside of work, John loved traveling, staying active, golfing, reading, fishing, cooking, and hiking. He retired from the University of Tennessee Medical Center Cancer Institute in December 2024. He continued his endeavor with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Knoxville, doing research and resident education.

One of John's greatest ambitions was to bring world-class cancer care close to home. His vision was for a cancer patient to come to UT and get all cancer care in one building. While we mourn his loss, we take comfort in knowing that his legacy of healing, leadership, and compassion will continue for generations.

John is survived by his wife and partner of 52 years, Beverly Barclay Bell; his daughters Lauren (Chris Fowler of Charlotte, NC, Emily (Daniel) Smith of Knoxville, TN, and Jamie (Pierre) LeBeau of Birmingham, AL; his beloved grandchildren James, Eleanor, Amelia, Collins, Mary Barclay, and Emmy his mother, Helen S. Bell; his sisters Charmaine Welch and Charlotte Bell; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, James Lawrence Bell, and all four grandparents.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 12, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann (6200 Kingston Pike). A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 13, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Cathedral (413 Cumberland Avenue). Private interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John L. Bell, MD, Endowed Lectureship Surgical Oncology at the University of Tennessee Medical Center and UT Graduate School of Medicine.