John Howard Bell

JOHN HOWARD BELL, II

John, age 79, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, at Brighton Gardens in Winston-Salem, NC. He was born August 31, 1946, to John and Marnee Bell in Miami, FL. His father was a pilot in the US Naval Reserve, so they moved continuously – east to west and north to south in the US.

After graduating from high school, John served in the US Navy Reserve for 6 years. He then went on to graduate from Valdosta State College in Valdosta, GA in 1972. John began his career with Rose’s Department Store in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. In 1976, he made a career move to The Dial Corporation. He retired as the Southeast Regional Sales Manager after 32 years. John enjoyed coaching basketball, baseball, and softball. He was often seen with a big gulp in his hand full of Dr. Pepper and a pack of certs. He used his Master Gardener skills to create gardens full of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. He was an avid fisherman. He would travel to Michigan yearly with family and friends to fish and bring home coolers full. He shared his love of fishing with his grandchildren. John loved Jesus, his family, and his country. He was a blessing to all who knew him; those who love him proudly called him Pops!

John is survived by his wife, Ann Weisiger Bell, of 54 years. His daughter, Audrey Bell Smith (Dr. Brian S. Smith) of Winston-Salem, NC and their four children: Hannah Smith Beroth (Bolton Beroth), Sarah Elisabeth, Jacob Samuel and Caleb John. John is also survived by his son, David Nelson Bell, of Bristol, Tennessee. His four children: Lillian Piper and Andrew John of Asheville, NC and Harper Grace and Emerson Pearl of Bristol, Tennessee. John is survived by his sisters-in-law Louise Weisiger Perry of Nashville, TN and Jane Weisiger Roddy (Frank Roddy) of Winston Salem, NC. John is also survived by his niece, Rebecca Harris Clark (Johnny Clark) of Nashville, TN and nephew, Daniel Carter Perry of Raleigh, NC. John is also survived by two cousins, Catherine Terlarico and Many Christenson of Colorado. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Barbara Ann Bell.

A graveside service to celebrate John’s life will be held Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 851 Owensville Road, Charlottesville, VA. 22901 (Ivy).

A special thanks to the administration and staff at Brighton Garden’s REM, Turell Giddens, and to Hospice for their excellent care for John.

In lieu of flowers, the family would love to offer donations in John’s memory to The Memory Counseling Program at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health, give.wakehealth.edu Go to the drop down menu and select “Memory Counseling Program”. Dr. Shaw was instrumental in John’s care and assisted in counseling Ann.

Another wonderful option to give in John's memory is to our beloved Sally’s Angels Fund. This wonderful organization helps critically ill children and their families named in honor of one of Pops’ favorite friends, Sally Rice. You can donate to Brenner Children’s Hospital, Sally’s Angels Fund by going to give.wakehealth.edu. Go to the drop down menu and select “Sally’s Angels (pediatric patient assistance)”.

Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home of Lewisville, NC assisted the Bell family in Winston- Salem, NC. Hill & Wood Funeral Service will assist with the graveside service and burial in Ivy, VA. The family sends a heartfelt thanks to all!