Edward Wesley Bell Sr., fondly known as "Bell, Eddie, Ed, or Poppa" was born on August 25, 1942, in Donalsonville, GA, to Essie Lee Jennings-Bell and Hayes Bell Sr. He was the eldest of his siblings: Evelyn, Mike, John, Clem, Edna, Emma Lois, Vera Mae, Larry James (who passed away after three days on earth), Hayes Jr., and Leroy, where they were all raised in Greenwood, Jackson County, Florida.

At an early age, he accepted Christ. He worked on the family farm before leaving home, moving to Dunedin, Florida in 1959, at the age of 17, with his Aunt Clara Robinson and Uncle Russell and that was where he continued to grow and thrive. In Dunedin, is where he met and married Gloria Jean Moore, and to this union four children were born, Edward Bell, Jr., Marsha, Lisa, and Ada. As a young man, Edward joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Dunedin, Florida, and remained an active member, until his health declined.

As a man he provided for his family. In 1973, the Bell family moved to Largo, Florida. Bell held various jobs in Pinellas County, including head chef at Robert's Cafeteria, part-time cashier at a convenience store, delivery driver for Clearwater Produce, an employee of the Pinellas County School Board and Pinecrest Retirement Home, until his retirement. Bell enjoyed playing cards and playing penny slots at the casino, traveling to visit his family and friends, listening to oldies but goodies, and watching Columbo and Walker Texas Ranger. He was known for driving around town or heading to church in his red corvette, he was always a cool Cat.

Edward Wesley Bell Sr. was a man whose presence was a constant source of strength, love, and unwavering support for his entire family. To say that he was important to his family felt like an understatement. He was not just a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, cousin, or a friend, he was the bedrock upon which our family was built. He was the quiet strength in times of trouble, the booming laughter at every celebration, and the gentle hand that guided us through various challenges in life. We remember and hold fast to his words of wisdom, an open-door policy. He would listen to every word said without harsh judgments, and give his God given advice that always sounded like he was a country backwoods man who studied a couple of semesters at Harvard. His knowledge was unmatched and always exactly what you needed to hear, even when he was making us laugh.

These are some of our many glimpses into the countless ways our Daddy or Poppa touched many lives, shaping us into the people we are today. He had a remarkable ability to make each one of us feel seen, heard, and cherished. Whether it was offering a listening ear, sharing a word of encouragement at just the right moment, or simply offering a warm embrace, he had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the world. He celebrated our triumphs, no matter how small, and offered comfort and solace during our darkest hours. A legend is what he was. His rich life experiences were the thread that wove through all his interactions, creating a tapestry of love and connection that bound us all together. He taught us the importance of hard work, kindness, family unity, and perseverance, not through lectures, but through the example of his own life.

His love for his entire family and friends were a beautiful testament to commitment and partnership. He and his wife Gloria Jean built a life together filled with adventurous times and in the end mutual respect. Their bond was an inspiration to us all. As a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was the epitome of what it means to be a true patriarch. He instilled in each of us, love above all things. The memories he created with us will be treasured for generations to come. The void left by his passing is immense. There will be an empty chair at his table, a silence where his voice or TV set once resonated, and a deep ache in our hearts. But while we grieve his absence, we must also remember the incredible legacy he leaves behind.

A legacy of love, family, friendship, unwavering support, and of a life lived. Though he is no longer physically with us, his spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone he touched. We will carry his lessons with us, cherish the memories we shared, and strive to live our lives in a way that would make him proud. Let us find comfort (Psalm 119:50) in the love that binds us together as a family, a love that was nurtured and strengthened by the extraordinary man we honor today. Edward Wesley Bell Sr., you were everything to us, and you will be deeply missed. This describes his significance to our family and friends.

Edward Wesley Bell Sr., story ended on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, he joins the ones that have cleared the path for him to enter Heaven, his parents, Essie Lee Bell and Hayes Bell Sr.; aunt, Clara Robinson; wife, Gloria Bell; son, Edward Wesley Bell, Jr.; daughter, Marsha Bell; granddaughter, Rutonya Bell-Rogers; brothers, Mike Bell, John Bell, Hayes Bell, Jr., and Leroy Bell.

Edward Wesley Bell Sr. memories are left to cherish by…

Daughters: Lisa Bell, and Ada Bell, (Mary)

Grandchildren: Shaneisha Kovalchick (Chris), Nicholas Bell, Chequita Minich (Kristopher), Edrick Bell, Jenise Harris, Asia Perry (Dontae), Shankia Ball, Mario Perry, and Blest Bell

Grandson-in-law: Brian Rogers

Eleven great grandchildren and one beautiful great-great grandson

Brother: Rev. Clem Bell (Janice)

Sisters: Evelyn Bell-Thompson (who passed a few days after him), Edna Minor, Emma Lois Barkley, and Vera Mae Bell

Brother-in-law: Robert

Sister-in-law: Barbara Bell

A dear friend: Ann Buckner

In addition, he leaves behind many nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Your love will forever be our guiding star.

A Double Life Celebration will be held for Edward W. Bell, Sr. and his sister, Evelyn Bell-Thompson, at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April. 12, 2025 at Bethel Community Baptist Church, located at 2901 54th Avenue S., St. Petersburg, Florida.

Public Viewing: Edward W. Bell, Sr. will be held at Smith-Young Funeral Home in Clearwater on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 5:00 -7:00 P.M.

Public Viewing: Evelyn Bell-Thompson will be held Friday, April 11,2025 5-7 PM at Bethel Community Baptist Church, St. Petersburg.

Interments to follow in Royal Palm Cemetery, South, St. Petersburg, Florida and Parklawn Memorial Cemetery, Dunedin, Florida.

Entrusted Care To: Smith-Young Funeral Home, Clearwater and Smith Funeral Home, St. Petersburg.