Levi Claude Bell Sr.

BELL, LEVI CLAUDE, SR. 69 - (Retired) Det. Sergeant from the Atlantic City Police Dept., he resided in Egg Harbor Twp, and peacefully went home to be with the Lord at the Atlantic City Medical Center, Mainland Division on Thursday, November 17th, with his family by his side.Born in Baltimore, MD and raised in Atlantic City, he was predeceased in death by both parents, Howard Sr. and Hilda Bell; two sisters, Sonja Bell and Evelyn Hayes; and his only wife, Madeline (Hunt) Bell.Levi attended the Atlantic City public school system, graduating Atlantic City High School, class of 1954. In 1974, he continued his education at Atlantic Community College, Mays Landing, receiving endorsements in various courses and made the Dean's list.Levi was a lifelong member of St. Augustine's Church, where he served as a member of the Vestry and any positions where he could be useful.As a young man, Levi boxed and won many bouts as a lightweight for the O.T.B.A. and P.A.L.After High School, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a military police officer. Following years of military service, Levi joined the Atlantic City Police Department, graduating the police academy in the Class of 1959.As a police officer his outstanding professionalism and hard work patrolling the streets of Atlantic City inspired him to become a Detective.As a Detective, he performed his duties in a proficient and professional manner, while serving on the Major Crimes Squad, Police Community Relations, Records and Identification, United States Secret Service, Juvenile. Detective and Vice Departments.Levi enthusiastically became a Detective Sergeant, receiving over 39 departmental citations such as: Exceptional Duty Medals, Gallantry Stars, Combat Cross Medals, Honorable Service Medals, Merit Service Medals including numerous Civilian Commendations and Letters for Community and Individual Service. He also received exceptional recognition from the Atlantic County Major Crime Unit and a Commendation from the Criminal Investigations Division of the Island Of Jamaica, West Indies.Levi was last employed by the First Student Bus Company, and was a former member of the Hiram Abbif Lodge F and AM Mt. Calvary Consistor, Azure Shrine Temple. He was especially fond of the "Homeboys", a social group among friends. He was a man of many talents enjoying cooking, playing the saxophone, drums, and bass; an avid crossword expert and a connoisseur of jazz music.A wonderful father, outstanding police officer and a loving man who leaves behind a legacy of family to treasure his memories. He is survived by his children- Sons: Levi C. Bell Jr. and Wife, Robbin of Upper Deerfield; Louis S. Bell. Sr. and Wife, Ernestine, of Atlantic City; Reed L. Bell, Sr. of Hampton, Va., Scott N. Bell of Winchester, Va.; Cameron Bell of Egg Harbor Township.; Daughters: Lenora A. Williams and Husband, Joseph, of El Paso, TX; Catherine Pratt and Husband, Pastor Darryl Pratt, of Egg Harbor Township, and Laura Jones Bell, of Egg Harbor Township; Brothers: Howard O. Bell, Sr. of Atlantic City; Elliot Bell, of Richmond, VA; William Bell, of Atlanta, GA; Sisters; Flora Bell, of Baltimore, MD; Ruth Weeks, of Berlin; and Robin Bell, of Richmond, VA.; twenty two Grandchildren and nine Great-Grandchildren, and the most imaginable loving Nephews and Nieces.In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the St. Augustines Building Fund, PO Box 1657, Atlantic City, NJ 08404.Homegoing services will be held at the Shilloh Baptist Church, 701 Atlantic Aves., Atlantic City, on Tuesday, November 22nd at 11:00 am. Friends may call from 9:00 am. Arrangements are by Greenidge Funeral Home (609.345.6305). ?? ?? ?? ??