William Douglas Bell

DURHAM: William Douglas Bell, 76, passed away on May 9, 2024 at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham, NC. He was born in Durham, the son of the late William Earnest Bell and Hilda Douglas Bell.
Known as Doug by most, and Papa by his grandkids, was raised in Durham, NC. He graduated from Northern Durham High School in 1966 and joined the United States Army. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Preventative Medicine Specialist and he received an Honorable Discharge. He joined the City of Durham Public Safety in 1972, where he served in dual roles as a firefighter and a police officer. He became a fire engineer where he was responsible for driving a fire truck to the scene. He earned two associates degrees in Fire Science and Criminal Justice along the way. When Durham Public Safety eventually split in 1985, into the fire department and the police department, Doug opted to serve on the police department where he primarily worked in Police District 2, and was promoted to the rank of Corporal and Sergeant before he retired in 2002. During his time on the police department, he trained numerous new police officers as a field training officer and served as a squad supervisor. Doug was very proud of his service in the army and especially the police department. After his retirement from the police department, he worked at Durham Academy for ten years as a security officer and retired for a second and final time in 2017. Along with his sense of fulfilment and pride in serving his country and community, he most appreciated the camaraderie and friendships he forged along the way.
Doug married the love of his life, Susan, in 1977. They resided in Durham, NC, and raised three children, Scott, Adam, and Laura. Doug and Susan moved to Mebane, NC in 2018 where they enjoyed being a part of the V05 community and closer to their youngest grandchildren. Doug was an avid reader, a fan of Duke basketball and football, as well as NASCAR. He enjoyed going to Durham Bulls baseball games, country music concerts, and comedy shows (especially comedian James Gregory). He was known to feed the neighborhood birds and deer, explored the mystery of Bigfoot, and appreciated good red wine. He loved spending time with his extended family and especially looked forward to the annual beach trips. He was known to have a good sense of humor, and rarely missed an opportunity for a good laugh.
Mr. Bell is survived by his wife, Susan Feudale Bell; sons, Scott Bell (Jennifer), Adam Bell (Ashleylayne); daughter, Laura Bell; grandchildren, Sarah Bell, Hannah Bell, Ireland Byrd, Stone Byrd, Bryson Holmes, Laney Holmes, Olive Bell, Isla Bell; brother, Sammy Bell (Lynn); sister, Susan Semes (Bobby); nephew, Chris Bell; and niece, Molly Semes; and his beloved dog, Betty.
A funeral service will be held 2:30 pm on Sunday, May 12th at Clements Funeral Chapel in Durham. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Pleasant Green United Methodist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to Pleasant Green United Methodist Church: 3005 Pleasant Green Rd., Durham, NC 27705.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.