Dr. William Lee Bell, age 79, of Marion, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2008 at The McDowell Hospital. He was born June 7, 1928 in Wake County, NC to the late Orian Broome Bell and Ruth Fowler Bell. Dr. Bell served McDowell County as a Chiropractor for over 50 years. He was a past president of the North Carolina Chiropractic Association and served on the board of trustees of Lincoln Chiropractic College. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. He was a past-president and a life-long member of the Marion Kiwanis Club and was the first Chairman of the McDowell County Recreation Commission. He was a Boy Scout leader for over 30 years where he received the Silver Beaver Award. He was also a past president of the Lake James Environmental Association where he received the prestigious Dan K. Moore Award among others for his work protecting the environment. He was an avid scuba diver and outdoorsman. He was a friend to so many and was known for his sense of humor. Most importantly he will be remembered as a faithful and loving husband, father and grandfather.

Dr. Bell leaves behind to cherish his memory, Rene Bell his wife of 50 years; two sons Dr. Bill Bell and wife Susan of Marion and Mr. Todd Bell and wife Amy of Cumming, GA; a brother, Mr. Robert B. Bell of Ridgeway, VA and four grandchildren, Daniel, Sarah, Chandler and Olivia.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 3:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael Swofford officiating. The family will receive friends 2:00-3:00 PM one hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to the F.O.S. Swamp Fox District, Piedmont Council, B.S.A., PO Box 1059, 1222 Franklin Blvd. Gastonia, NC 28053 or Lake James Environmental Association, PO Box 430, Nebo, NC 28761-0430.