Billie E Bell

Funeral services for Billie E. Bell, 91, who died on May 4th, 2021 at the Tucson Veterans Home will be held Friday, May 21st with a viewing at 9:00 a.m. followed by a service at 10:00 a.m. in the Gardens Chapel, 525 N. Peart Road, Casa Grande. This will be followed by Military Honors at Mt. View Cemetery.

Billie Edward Bell was born in Moreland, Arkansas on November 3, 1929 to Everett Bell and Hallie Tackett. His mother, recently divorced and a single parent, moved the family of 7 children to Casa Grande in 1936 to be with her family. The Bells (Brothers Louis, Harold, Charles, Lynn, and sisters Celia Cowan, and Burma Sanders) along with Billie, supported themselves during World War 2 picking cotton. Billie graduated from Casa Grande Union High School and went to work at Prettyman’s Market. Billie joined the Marine Corp in November of 1950. A Purple Heart recipient, he lost his right arm during the Korean Conflict in May of 1952. A few years later he attended and graduated from Arizona State University Tempe in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. During his years at ASU Billie and several others including Bud Johns formed the Sigma Nu Fraternity. After graduation Billie Bell began his employ as an IRS agent where he labored for nearly 30 years. It was while working for the Internal Revenue Service near Los Angeles, California in the mid 60’s he met his wife, Melva Bell, a high school teacher. Billie served with the VFW in an officer capacity Upon both retiring in 1997, Billie and Melva moved to Casa Grande. The two spent 4 decades travelling across the United States at every opportunity. Billie and Melva had recently celebrated 53 years of marriage. He is survived by daughters, Brenda Gail Bell of Carlsbad, California, Joy Elaine Bell of Casa Grande, Arizona, along with one son, Donald Bell (wife Cheryl) of Redlands, California. He also had two step-children, Nanci Meek (husband Frank) of Las Vegas, Nevada and Melvin Meek (wife Tessie) of Casa Grande, Arizona. He is survived by 3 grandsons, Brian Bell and Mike Bell of Redlands, California, as well as Joseph Meek of Casa Grande, Arizona. He is also survived by one granddaughter, Nicole Kusley-Orellana (husband Christian), of San Diego, California. As well as three great-grandchildren.