Obituary of John Bell

John Ray "Bud" Bell, 77 of Huddleston passed from death into everlasting life on Thursday, January 3, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was born on Sunday, February 24, 1935 in Lynchburg, a son of the late Odell Bell and Evelyn Bell High. He was also preceded in death by a son, Rusty Bell, a grandson, Jacob Anderson, and a granddaughter, Grace Ann. Bud served in the United States Navy during the Korean War and was a member of Staunton Baptist Church in Huddleston. In addition, he worked in the foundry and printing business for over twenty years. Bud realized his dream of owning his own business when he opened the Sportsmen's Inn Restaurant on Smith Mountain Lake in 1976 until he retired in 1998. Bud touched many lives with his caring heart, quick wit, great sense of humor and magnetic personality. Bud loved the outdoors and he enjoyed golfing and playing with his grandkids in their swimming pool. The family would like to thank the wonderful, caring nurses of Bedford Hospice Care for their quality care. Surviving is the love of his life, his wife of fifty-eight years, Fay Dean Holland Bell; three sons, J.R. Bell & wife, Julie, Rickey Owen Bell & wife, Wendi, Cliff Bell & wife, Michelle; a daughter, Hannah Lynn Jenks & husband, Tim; a brother, Clarence Odell "CO" Bell, twelve AMAZING grandchildren and five PRECIOUS great grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as "Pappie". A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Staunton Baptist Church with Dr. John Reale & Rev. Sonny Moon officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 11 am until the time of the service at Staunton Baptist Church, 15267 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, Huddleston, VA 24104, on the right just past the entrance to Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Huddleston. God is so good.