Deacon Robert Edward Bell was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia to Robert Lee and Lucille Reese Bell. He was the second of seven siblings. Edward attended elementary and high school in Lunenburg County.

He married Dorothy Mae Rainey on November 13, 1953. To this union they were blessed with three children.

He was employed at Railway Handle Factory in Kenbridge, Virginia for more than 36 years. After retirement he also worked part-time at Parkview High School in South Hill, Virginia.

Mr. Bell was a long-time member of Mayflower Baptist Church, Kenbridge, Virginia. There he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, a Trustee and an usher. He was a member of the AARP Twin Lakes Chapter 4014; Lunenburg Senior Citizens Club, Petersburg Consistory Lodge 144 with 33 Degree P.H.A; E.V. Harris Royal Arch Mason Chapter 24 P.H.A.; and Rosary Chapter 177 P.H.A.; and Kenbridge Lodge 214 P.H.A.

He was Past Master of Kenbridge Lodge 214 P.H.A; Treasurer of E.V. Harris Royal Arch Mason Chapter 24 P.H.A.; Past Vice President of the Master Warden Council P.H.A; and was Paston of Rosary Chapter 177 P.H.A.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing the guitar. He played guitar for the Mayflower Church Youth Choir as well as the Willing Five Gospel Singers of Blackstone, Virginia (WKLV Radio Station).

Deacon Bell transitioned from earth to heaven at his home on Saturday April 20, 2019.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert L. and Lucille Reese Bell; two brothers, Willie and Thomas Bell.

Deacon Bell is survived by his wife Dorothy M. Bell, his children Edward Randolph Bell, Barbara B. Lee (Johnnie), and Catherine Bell, seven grandchildren; Ca’Meshia, Johnnie, Tyra, Alexandria, Deandra, Darryl and Jade; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings; Frances Bell Rainey, Rebecca Bell Garland, Christine Bell Hardy (Lewis) Susan Mae Bell, and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday April 27, 2:30 p.m. at New Grove Baptist Church, Kenbridge, with the Rev. Dr. Curtis W. Bagley, Jr., Pastor and the Rev. Michael Brown, Eulogist. Interment was in the church cemetery.

S.P. Jones and Son Funeral Home served the family.