Rev. Austin David Bell Jr. entered his eternal rest on Monday, December 5, 2016. Rev. Bell was born in Bonifay, FL but spent most of his formative years in Chipley, FL. At the time of his home going he was in his 38th year of serving as Pastor of St. John's Missionary Baptist Church, Florala, AL. Rev. Bell was the second child, and the first son, of eight children born to the late Rev. Austin David Bell Sr. and Nina R. Wilson Bell. Rev. Bell was preceded in death by a daughter Patricia A. Bell and two sisters; Rosa L. Dudley and Cassandra Williams (Mordecia). Rev. Bell is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary B. Dickens Bell and twelve children: COL(R) Austin David Bell III (Nadene), Rev. Donald L. Bell (Debra), Rev. Ronald L. Bell (Ranine-deceased), Gregory A. Bell, CW3(R) Michael T. Bell, Angelia D. Pulliam (Larry), Audrey M. Booth, Andrea D. Key (Rev. Leon), Phillip H. Bell (Jacqulyn), Adrienne H. McClendon, Aletha M. Bell, and Christopher A. Bell (Kristen). He is also survived by a brother, Robert T. Bell (Anethia) and four sisters: Priscilla B. Whitfield, Thelma B. Farmer (Rev. Luther), Claudine B. Cotton, and Shirley B. Sanchez (Carlos). In addition, Rev. Bell is survived by 37 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren, along with a vast number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Rev. Austin David Bell Jr.'s home going celebration will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2016, at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 603 Martin Luther King Ave., Crestview, FL. Viewing will be from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM; and the Home Going Celebration will take place at 11:00 A.M. Interment will be at Springhill Cemetery, Crestview, FL. McKinnie Funeral Home directing.

Published Online in Northwest Florida Daily News on Dec. 9, 2016