John T. Bell

1938 - 2016

John T. Bell

July 7, 1938 - November 4, 2016

Goldsboro

John Teackle Bell 78, of Goldsboro North Carolina passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Friday, November 4, 2016. John was born on July 7th 1938 in Goldsboro to Kathleen and Rufus Bell of Goldsboro. Along with his brothers Dennis and Tom, John was the oldest of three siblings.

John graduated from Goldsboro High School and went on to attend Campbell College before going to work with his father. Working with his father at State Supply Co., John developed a love and a talent for the building business which lead him to start his first building company, Thompson Bell Realty which he co-founded in 1959 with his childhood friend George Thompson. Until his death, John remained the head of that company, which later became John T. Bell Realty, Inc. During the ensuing fifty Seven years John was responsible for the development and construction of hundreds of single family homes, apartments, townhouses, condominiums, and commercial properties. He leaves behind a professional legacy that includes dozens of residential developments from Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Goldsboro and Wilmington, to waterfront townhouse and condominium communities in Morehead and Atlantic Beach. John was nothing short of relentless in looking for new opportunities to build. John's energy and talent lead him to become a founding member of the Goldsboro Home Builders Association, past President of the Goldsboro Association of Realtors, and past president of the North Carolina Home Builders Association. John also served on the board of the NC Housing Finance Agency and was an affordable housing advocate and developer.

John lived for boating and fishing and anything to do with the beach. He learned to fly an airplane in his 20's and never met an engine, motor or gadget he didn't want to tinker with. John also loved meeting and talking to people…he never met a stranger in his life, and he had a smile and a story for everyone he met. He was a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church, a member of the Golden K Kiwanis Club, and received the Paul Harris Fellowship award from the Goldsboro Rotary Club.

John loved his family and friends more than one can imagine. He is survived by; Mary Jane, the love of his life whom he met in high school and remained a loyal husband and father throughout their 57 years of marriage. John also leaves behind his three sons; Teak (Susan), Chris (Susan) and Danny (Jane) as well as his grandchildren Christopher, George, Ebbie and Josie who were the light of his life and he was the light in theirs. He is survived by his brothers Dennis (Martha) and Tom (Cissy) and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 6, 2016 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at the St Paul United Methodist Church on Monday, November 7, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Harry and Rev. Phyllis Vail officiating. Interment will be held at a later date in Willow Dale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 204 E. Chestnut Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. seymourfuneralhome.com