Walter Thomas Bell was born August 25, 1923, in Cortez Village to Aaron Parx Bell and Jessie Blanche Fulford Bell. He died on November 20, 2012, at the age of 89.
Walter served in the Merchant Marines in WWII. He often said that he saw enough of the world during those years to know that he was happy to be back in Cortez.
Walter was part owner and manager of A.P. Bell Fish Company and a proud supporter of Florida's seafood industry. In his younger years Walter loved to gill net mullet, pompano and mackerel. Had he ever retired, he wanted to return to the water to catch pompano. Even though Walter would probably have preferred to fish, in the early 60s he began working at the fish house. He adapted well to buying and selling local catches from commercial fishers.
He had a laid back personality that earned him the respect of fishermen and customers alike. Some of his "rules" were to pay fair prices; pay on correct weights; always pay the fishermen promptly ("If you're in the fish business and you can't pay for the fish, you shouldn't be in the fish business!") and spend money locally whenever possible. He always had a smile, listened more than he spoke and was generous even when he knew better. All of these qualities and beliefs were important to Walter and contributed to his success in business and happiness in life.
Walter is survived by two brothers (Chester and Doug Bell) and two daughters (Karen and Lisa Bell.) He is predeceased by his mother and father, sister Betty, brothers Warren, Jesse and Calvin, wife Sandra and son Jeff.
A graveside service will be held at 2p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2012, at Palma Sola Community Church, 8604 9th Avenue NW, Bradenton, FL 34209. Friends may gather at A.P. Bell Fish Company to share memories and fishing stories following the service.
Walter served in the Merchant Marines in WWII. He often said that he saw enough of the world during those years to know that he was happy to be back in Cortez.
Walter was part owner and manager of A.P. Bell Fish Company and a proud supporter of Florida's seafood industry. In his younger years Walter loved to gill net mullet, pompano and mackerel. Had he ever retired, he wanted to return to the water to catch pompano. Even though Walter would probably have preferred to fish, in the early 60s he began working at the fish house. He adapted well to buying and selling local catches from commercial fishers.
He had a laid back personality that earned him the respect of fishermen and customers alike. Some of his "rules" were to pay fair prices; pay on correct weights; always pay the fishermen promptly ("If you're in the fish business and you can't pay for the fish, you shouldn't be in the fish business!") and spend money locally whenever possible. He always had a smile, listened more than he spoke and was generous even when he knew better. All of these qualities and beliefs were important to Walter and contributed to his success in business and happiness in life.
Walter is survived by two brothers (Chester and Doug Bell) and two daughters (Karen and Lisa Bell.) He is predeceased by his mother and father, sister Betty, brothers Warren, Jesse and Calvin, wife Sandra and son Jeff.
A graveside service will be held at 2p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2012, at Palma Sola Community Church, 8604 9th Avenue NW, Bradenton, FL 34209. Friends may gather at A.P. Bell Fish Company to share memories and fishing stories following the service.
Walter Thomas Bell was born August 25, 1923, in Cortez Village to Aaron Parx Bell and Jessie Blanche Fulford Bell. He died on November 20, 2012, at the age of 89.
Walter served in the Merchant Marines in WWII. He often said that he saw enough of the world during those years to know that he was happy to be back in Cortez.
Walter was part owner and manager of A.P. Bell Fish Company and a proud supporter of Florida's seafood industry. In his younger years Walter loved to gill net mullet, pompano and mackerel. Had he ever retired, he wanted to return to the water to catch pompano. Even though Walter would probably have preferred to fish, in the early 60s he began working at the fish house. He adapted well to buying and selling local catches from commercial fishers.
He had a laid back personality that earned him the respect of fishermen and customers alike. Some of his "rules" were to pay fair prices; pay on correct weights; always pay the fishermen promptly ("If you're in the fish business and you can't pay for the fish, you shouldn't be in the fish business!") and spend money locally whenever possible. He always had a smile, listened more than he spoke and was generous even when he knew better. All of these qualities and beliefs were important to Walter and contributed to his success in business and happiness in life.
Walter is survived by two brothers (Chester and Doug Bell) and two daughters (Karen and Lisa Bell.) He is predeceased by his mother and father, sister Betty, brothers Warren, Jesse and Calvin, wife Sandra and son Jeff.
A graveside service will be held at 2p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2012, at Palma Sola Community Church, 8604 9th Avenue NW, Bradenton, FL 34209. Friends may gather at A.P. Bell Fish Company to share memories and fishing stories following the service.
Walter served in the Merchant Marines in WWII. He often said that he saw enough of the world during those years to know that he was happy to be back in Cortez.
Walter was part owner and manager of A.P. Bell Fish Company and a proud supporter of Florida's seafood industry. In his younger years Walter loved to gill net mullet, pompano and mackerel. Had he ever retired, he wanted to return to the water to catch pompano. Even though Walter would probably have preferred to fish, in the early 60s he began working at the fish house. He adapted well to buying and selling local catches from commercial fishers.
He had a laid back personality that earned him the respect of fishermen and customers alike. Some of his "rules" were to pay fair prices; pay on correct weights; always pay the fishermen promptly ("If you're in the fish business and you can't pay for the fish, you shouldn't be in the fish business!") and spend money locally whenever possible. He always had a smile, listened more than he spoke and was generous even when he knew better. All of these qualities and beliefs were important to Walter and contributed to his success in business and happiness in life.
Walter is survived by two brothers (Chester and Doug Bell) and two daughters (Karen and Lisa Bell.) He is predeceased by his mother and father, sister Betty, brothers Warren, Jesse and Calvin, wife Sandra and son Jeff.
A graveside service will be held at 2p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2012, at Palma Sola Community Church, 8604 9th Avenue NW, Bradenton, FL 34209. Friends may gather at A.P. Bell Fish Company to share memories and fishing stories following the service.
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