Onus Neil Bell

Onus Neil Bell, 90, of Harrison, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Hillcrest Home in Harrison.
Neil was born May 14, 1935, on the Bell family farm five miles west of Lead Hill, a place that forever shaped his values and love for home. He was a son of Jarrett Willis and Elsie Mae Harwell Bell. He attended school in Lead Hill until 1950, completing the 10th grade. When the lake came in and the town was relocated to higher ground, schools were scattered among several makeshift locations. Wanting stability and opportunity for their children, Neil's parents enrolled him at School of the Ozarks in Hollister, where he completed his 11th and 12th grade years and graduated with honors in 1952.
After graduation, Neil stepped out into the wider world, first traveling to Yakima, Washington, where he lived with an aunt and uncle and spent nearly a year picking apples. From there, family once again guided his path when he moved to South Bend, Indiana, to live with his oldest sister. With the help of her husband, Neil secured employment at the Studebaker manufacturing plant, marking the beginning of a strong work ethic that would define his life. Neil later found his calling in the mobile home industry. His career eventually led him to Elkton, Maryland, where he worked for Schult Home Corporation as a purchasing agent. For 20 years, he served with diligence and professionalism, retiring at the young age of 49.
Neil was also drafted into the United States Army. He attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and served in the clerk-typist division. During his service, he was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska for 1½ years, where he served as typist for all four divisions of the Armed Forces stationed there, a responsibility he handled with pride and care.
After retiring, Neil returned to what mattered most - home and family. He moved back to Lead Hill and lovingly helped his sister, Fern Chaney, on her farm in Tucker Hollow. Those years were filled with quiet purpose, hard work, and companionship. When his farming days eventually came to an end, Neil came back to Harrison, where he lived with his brother, Thomas Weldon Bell, whose steady presence provided comfort and care. In 2009, Neil suffered a stroke that affected his right side. As his health gradually declined, he spent the final year of his life at Hillcrest Home, where he was cared for with kindness and dignity. In addition to his parents, Neil was preceded in death by his infant sister, Elsie Amber Bell; and his brothers and sisters, Reba Lee Gann, Fredrick Jefferson Bell, Ida Fern Chaney, Nelda Rae Barnes, and Willis June Harper.
He is survived by his brother, Thomas Weldon Bell of Harrison; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends who will remember him with affection and gratitude.
The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Lead Hill, with the Rev. Josh Boyd officiating. Burial will follow in Milum Cemetery at Lead Hill under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
Visitation will be from 12 noon until service time Saturday at the church.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Post Office Box 94, Lead Hill, Arkansas 72644.
The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.HoltChapel.com.