Sammy Lee Bell, Sr.

Sammy Lee Bell Sr., born on May 29, 1955, in Beirne, Arkansas to Uthel Bell and Bessie Mae Sanders Bell. He departed this world on July 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.

Sammy was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and cherished friend. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He lived the life he loved and loved the life he lived.

In his spare time, he enjoyed the company of his family and close friends. He loved to entertain, be entertained and particularly loved the competition associated with dominoes, and the hilarious bragging rights stemming from his frequent wins. Many memories were made, and good times were shared with his nieces and nephews. His grandchildren were truly the apples of his eye, and he took immense pride in watching them grow.

Known as a legend in Gurdon, Sammy’s vibrant personality shone through his playful “talking noise” and infectious dance moves. He embraced life with an unforgettable spirit, always leaving us with his favorite saying, “peace out.”

For many years, Sammy dedicated himself to his work as a logger at Ledbetter Logging, where he built strong bonds with his coworkers and community. A lifelong member of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, he was guided by his faith and was deeply connected to his church family.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Herbert Bell and Andy Bell; his sisters, Annie Thomas and Shirley Bell Loving; and a niece, Alberta “Bird” Young.

Sammy leaves to cherish his children, Serena Bell, Sammy Bell, Jr. and his fiancé, Monique Bell all of Sacramento, CA and Dishawn (Deaidra) Bell of White Hall, AR; his grandchildren, Romello Bell, Akira Bell, Zance Bell and Samone C. Bell; his sisters, Bessie Rogers of Gurdon, AR, Joyce Brown of Gurdon, AR, Barbara Smith of Arkadelphia, AR, and Ruby Gatlin of Gurdon, AR; and a brother, Randy Bell of Curtis, AR. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Sharon Bell of Gurdon as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, his best friends, Mark Turner, Calvin Gentry and Raymond Welch, Sr., and several other friends.

As we remember Sammy Lee Bell Sr., let us carry forward the love and laughter he shared with us. In our hearts and memories, he will forever dance on.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 8, 2025, from noon until 6:00 p.m. Services will be held at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, with Rev. Rufus Hatley, eulogist. Interment will be at Shady Grove Cemetery in Beirne.

Pallbearers will be David Young, Antonio Gatlin, Randy Bell, Tyrone “Bubba” Marks, Apollo Blake, and Demond Beasley. Honorary pallbearers Mack Turner, Calvin Gentry, “Red” Quarles, Willie “Bubba” Hughes and Raymond Welch, Sr.