William "Bill" Graham Bell
August 24, 1938 ~ November 2, 2024
William “Bill” Graham Bell, known by most of his friends as “Buster,” age 86, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2024, at his home in New Smyrna Beach, surrounded by friends and loved ones.
Born on August 24, 1938, at Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, Bill lived a life full of happiness, wisdom, and generosity. He was a proud graduate of Stone Mountain High School and went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from the University of Georgia. Bill served his country as a member of the U.S. Army and spent most of his career as an Insurance Claims Manager.
Bill was the cherished only child of William Fletcher Bell and Lillian Reid Bell, who instilled in him a strong sense of integrity and compassion. He is survived by his son, David Glenn Bell, and David’s wife, Tracy; his daughter, Lucinda “Cindy” Reid Bell Betsill, and her husband, William Danny Betsill. His grandchildren, Fletcher Reid Bell, Bailey Bentley Bell, Tyler Betsill, Ashley Betsill Garcia, and William Betsill, will carry forward his legacy, along with his great-grandchildren: Alexander Garcia, Audrey-Mae Garcia, Phoenix Bell, Bobby Bell, and one expected early next year.
Bill had a deep love for his Georgia Bulldogs, fishing, hunting, and making new friends. Known for his open advice and candid storytelling, Bill believed that life was about connections, honesty, and growth. He often said, “Be accountable and authentic, and don’t be afraid to share your failures.” He never hesitated to share his own experiences—both the triumphs and the stumbles—if they could help someone else navigate their own path.
His life was guided by faith and marked by a joyful heart. As Proverbs 17:22 reminds us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” This verse embodied Bill’s outlook. His humor was infectious, and his faith was unwavering, serving as a steady anchor for him and those around him. He taught all who knew him that, at the end of the day, relationships with others and with God are what truly matter.
Bill’s memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to share in his wisdom and laughter. His life was a testament to the power of authenticity, love, and faith.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 16 at 10 a.m. at Wages and Sons Funeral Home, 1040 Main Street, Stone Mountain, Georgia, to honor his remarkable life.
For those wishing to express their condolences with a charitable contribution, Bill routinely contributed to multiple charities, but one of his favorites was the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for the lessons, laughter, and love he shared with all.
Services
Celebration of Life: November 16, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Wages & Sons Stone Mountain Chapel
1040 Main Street
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
770-469-9811
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He wanted us to remember the good, to forgive his mistakes, and to learn from his life.
We will put those letters on display following the funeral service. They will be cherished and handed down for generations.
Dad made the decision to sell his home in Georgia and move closer to us in New Smyrna Beach. Though that moment was steeped in loss, it brought us closer together, allowing us to reconnect not just as father and son, but as friends.
We spent those years like two mischievous boys, laughing at the little things, swapping crude jokes, and savoring each other’s company. He wasn’t without flaws—none of us are—but he was exactly the father I needed. I was truly fortunate to have him nearby in those final years, where our bond deepened and became a wellspring of cherished memories and invaluable lessons.
Dad’s life was anchored in humor and the belief that relationships were the most important part of life. He often reminded me, “Don’t take yourself so seriously,” a mantra he lived by. Above all, his relationships—with family, friends, and his faith—were what defined him. Those values remained constant throughout his life, shaping him into a beloved father, friend, and mentor.
I will miss him deeply, but I am grateful for the time we had and the countless moments that will keep his spirit alive in my heart.