Refes Bell Jr.

Refes Bell Jr. was born on October 26, 1943, In Paulsboro, NJ, to Refes Bell Sr. and Rita (Cannon) Bell. He spent his childhood in Glassboro, NJ, where he was educated in the Glassboro Public School System. An athletic individual, Refes lettered in multiple sports, particularly football, track, basketball, and gymnastics.

After graduating high school, Refes worked at a bus company alongside his father. In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. He received several honors during his service, Including the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Expert Rifleman Badge.

In 1966, while driving with a friend and stopping at a local gas station, Refes met the love of his life, Betty Jean Morgan. Their relationship blossomed, leading to their marriage on October 21, 1967. They shared 57 wonderful years together until her passing on January 8, 2024. From their union, they were blessed with four children: Gregory, Dawn, Refes Ill, and Mark.

Refes worked as a truck mechanic, but his passion for being on the road led to over 60 years of driving trucks. This journey culminated in a co-ownership of 2BAD Trucking with his sons. Refes dedicated his time to either working under a truck or driving one until his health began to decline in 2016. While on the road, he was always eager to share his faith in God with anyone he encountered and enjoyed drawing scenes from his travels.

Having accepted Christ at the young age of 13, Refes's love and service for God were evident as a long-time member of Chestnut Assembly of God. He served on the Usher Board, was an active member of the Marriage Encounter Ministry, and drove the bus for Sunday School.

Refes cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his church family.

He was predeceased by his wife, Betty (Morgan) Bell; his sons, Refes Ill and Mark Bell; his parents, Refes Bell Sr. and Rita (Cannon) Bell; and his brother, Robert Bell.

He is survived by his son, Gregory (Shaun) Morgan of Glassboro, NJ; his daughter, Dawn (David Cottrell) of Clayton, NJ; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one brother, Thomas (Sallle) Bell of Florida; two sisters, Theresa Bell of Texas and Denise (Scottie) Atkins of Sicklerville, NJ; six sisters-in-law: Marian Baldwin of Vineland, NJ; Christine Carter of Bridgeton, NJ; Margie (Leonard) Hoover of Norma, NJ; Lorraine (Kevin) Townsend of Glassboro, NJ; LouJane (Michele) Morgan of Chatham, NJ; and Katherine Morgan of Rosenhayn, NJ. He is also survived by six brothers-in-law: Ira (Terri) Morgan of Hopewell, NJ; Willie Hart; Roosevelt Hart; Charles Scholfield; Ralph (Detra) Morgan; and Jerry (Lucille) Morgan, all of Vineland, NJ; as well as his daughter of the heart, Deborah Barrett; a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends; and his private caretakers.

Humbly submitted, The Family