Obituary of Wilbur R. Bell

OCRACOKE, NC WILBUR ROLLINS BELL, 81, died on March 16, 2004 at his residence. Mr. Bell was born on May 20, 1922 in Harrison County, Kentucky, to parents, Mac Rollins Bell and Clara Rogers Bell. He resided in Cynthiana, Kentucky until moving to Ocracoke in 1987. Mr. Bell was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Division, stationed in the South Pacific from January 1043 to June 1945. He was a devoted father to his sons, serving as Scout Master and mentor, sharing in their interests, and supporting them tirelessly. At the time of his retirement, he was employed by the Kentucky State Division of Forestry. He became a local favorite on Ocracoke, driving an island tour carriage with his beloved horse, Cookie. Mr. Bell also spent many years providing fish-cleaning services to the charter boat business. He was an active member of the Ocracoke United Methodist Church assisting in many capacities, and he volunteered his time for Meals on Wheels and the Ocracoke Preservation Society. In his later years he kept busy growing and tending his beautiful roses. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Macky Staton Bell; son, Dr. Richard McMurtry Bell and daughter-in-law Paddy Bell of Camden, SC; son Mac Rollins Bell of Frankfort, KY; sister Louise Bell of Lexington, KY; grand-daughters, Heather Poell, Christy Bell, and Brandi Bell, great-grandson, Phoenix Bell-Yates; and devoted friend, ‘Pussycat.’ This loving father, grandfather, and friend will be greatly missed. A memorial service with full military honors will be held at the Ocracoke United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 20, 2004 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Scout Troop 60 of the United Methodist Church, PO Box 307, Cynthiana, KY 41031, Ocracoke United Methodist Church, Ocracoke, NC 27960, Ocracoke Preservation Society, PO Box 491, Ocracoke, NC 27960, or Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, PO Box 1947, Quantico, VA 22134. Twiford’s Island Chapel, Hatteras is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit www.twifordfh.com to sign the online register