of Conway, AR
July 16, 1954 - May 2, 2024
Michael ''Sandy'' Bell, 69, of Conway passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil M and Bertha Bell and his brothers, Jerry Donald Bell and Jimmy Ray Bell.
Sandy (as he was known in Conway) graduated from Conway High School in 1972 where he was a football Wampus Cat, senior class president and was honored by being named Mr. Conway High School. He graduated from Hendrix College in 1976 and went on to obtain a master's degree in biology from Memphis State University in 1984, this is also where he met his wife Cindy, in the Biology department.
After graduation, he married and began a teaching career in Texas at Clark High School and later at the Collin County Community College. Michael and Cindy scuba dived and Michael was an underwater photographer. Michael taught marine biology classes where he was instrumental in incorporating scuba diving and traveling to the Caribbean and Central America. In 2002 he returned to Arkansas as a biology professor at Hendrix College.
Since retirement, Michael could be seen often at the front desk at Jenifer's Antiques, a place that was dear to him. He also loved camping, hiking and anything outdoors. Michael also loved woodworking and hunting for antiques.
Michael was a daily part of his son, Chris and his daughter-in-law's, Anna's life and his three grandchildren who knew him as ''PapPaw''. So many good things can be said about Michael. He loved his friends and family with his whole heart. He was always reaching out to help others. He had a calm and gentle manner that made anyone he met feel comfortable and at ease. The funny stories and fond memories that could be shared between him, his cousins and friends could fill volumes. But as one friend said, he was a friendly, loyal, funny and dependable person, but the golden thread of his life was his kindness. He will be missed.
Michael ''Sandy'' is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Cindy Bell; their son, Christopher Bell (and Anna Claire) of Conway; three grandchildren, Heidi, Rosemary and Thatcher Bell; his brother, John Keller Bell (Jerry Phillips) of Little Rock and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and loving friends.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 8 at 1:00 pm at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway with a Funeral service following at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in Bell Cemetery in Conway. Serving as pallbearers will be Jack Bell, Steve Bell, Randy Bell, Scotty Bell, Philip Bell, David Bell, Bruce Bell, Matthew Bell and Jeremy Bell.
Memorials may be made to Bethlehem House, Inc or Haven Conway.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15013277727.
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32 Condolence(s)
Wadette Howell Matthews
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
To the Bell family, I offer my sincere condolences and pray for God’s comfort for each of you.
My Mother, Sibyl Tyler Howell and Bertha Tyler Bell were first cousins. I always thought so much of Bertha who was my second cousin. The Tyler family were great wonderful people. I have lived in Texas all my adult life and am 83 years old.
This memorial service came on FB and I remembered that Michael Sandy Bell was Bertha and Cecil Bell’s son even though I have never met Sandy. Grace and peace to each of you.
Jerry and Sharon Grable
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Sorry for your loss. Sharon and I thought the world of Sandy and enjoyed every minute we had with him as we would occasionally run into him. He was always happy and upbeat.
Barbara Perkins and Keith Dopson
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Oh Cindy, we are so very sorry for MIke's passing, and your loss. Now we see missed opportunities in ya'll's visits here, and how time is so precious, and often ignored.
Please do not hesitate to call either of us, if there is anything, errand, or whatever may assist you. We will continue to be watchful, here.
We will continue to think of you, and our brief moments visiting.
Barbara and Keith
Gene and Linda Manning
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
To the Bell family we extend our deepest sympathies. We always enjoyed visiting with Mike when we were in Jenifer's Antiques. HIs parents, Cecil and Bertha were some of the first folks we met when we moved to Conway almost fifty years ago. Cecil was a director of First National Bank where I worked. May our God of all comfort fill your hearts with peace.
Paige Revis
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
My heart is broken for your family. The loss of this kind and tender soul will leave a big hole in all your hearts and in all those who knew him. I'm just so very sorry. Praying for you all as you navigate your grief. May the grace and peace of our Lord and Savior be with you during this difficult time.
Sheryl Roncketto
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
You are in my thoughts and prayers John. I know he was a special man. Also thinking of your entire family. I always loved visiting with him at Jennifer’s Antiques. I love you
Sharron Havens Russell
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. I have know Mike for my entire life, but most recently worked with him at Hendrix. He always had a special smile when I would see him. I am sure his parents are so happy to see him! Great family. Prayers for you.
Cathy Kennedy
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Prayers for sweet shalom for all his loved ones.
Kaye and Jerry mimms
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Sorry for your loss . Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Debbie Bell Miller
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
"Cindy, I wish you and your family peace and comfort as you grieve the loss of Michael "Sandy". I know what a close bond the Bell Family have for each other. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Bell-Miller
Mitchell Smith
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
In memory of a good friend, fine teacher and model human being.
Kelly konkel
Monday, May 6, 2024
There are no words that I can say that will make anyone fill better. It is a blessing that I got the time with him that I did. In the little time I did get to know him He was always respectful and kind. I know He is in heaven with Jesus at peace.
Charlotte Leher
Monday, May 6, 2024
Cindy my heart goes out to you on the loss of your husband, I know how much you respected & loved & prayed for him. Thankful for all the good life and traveling memories you had together. Love you sister Charlotte
Wendy A Gunderson
Monday, May 6, 2024
I worked with Mike at the Frisco Campus of Collin College (then it was CCCCD). When I came on as a new faculty, Mike was so kind in mentoring me and others. The campus was small enough then that a group of us went to lunch several times a week. Mike was always willing to lend a hand, whenever needed. Mike lived his life well and showed kindness to everyone. Deepest condolences to Cindy, Chris and family.
Cindy Crafton Rushing
Monday, May 6, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.
Louise and Yvonne
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Please accept our sincere condolences. Losing a brother is an incredibly painful experience and we are so saddened to learn about Micheal’s passing. You have the solace of some very beautiful memories, John. Know that you have our heartfelt sympathy. With much love, your friends, Yvonne and Louise.
Richard Allison
Sunday, May 5, 2024
I am saddened to hear of Sandy's passing and my deepest sympathy goes out to his family. I have fond memories of the good times we had in the 70s. Conway lost a good man. RIP
Moises guevara
Sunday, May 5, 2024
May his memory give you comfort and peace
Sue Mcguire
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Cindy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I didn't get to see Sandy that often, he is still one of my favorite cousins. He will be truly missed. Love, Sue
Bobbie Huff
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Sandy was a sweet soul who will be missed by his family & friends. We need more Sandy’s in the world.
Nancy Stanton LeMaster
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Praying for all of you in your loss.
Patsy Troutman Hesson
Saturday, May 4, 2024
We were in first grade together. He was a very sweet man. He will be greatly missed.
Barbara Lusk Stern
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Mike was a wonderful friend, colleague, and scholar.
John H. Anthony
Saturday, May 4, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a valuable member of our faculty during our Colleges formative years. I enjoyed working with him and am most appreciative of his many contributions to Collin College.
Allison Osborne Morris
Saturday, May 4, 2024
I knew Sandy since Sallie Cone days. A happy guy who was friends with everyone. A huge loss.
Jerry Case
Saturday, May 4, 2024
So sorry to hear about sandy would run in to him occasionally and we would talk about conway and people we both knew .He on several occasions called me about old lumber material I had on hand from time to time he will be missed by many .My condolences goes out to the entire Bell family
Martha Antoun
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Cindy, Christopher and extended family,
We offer our most sincere condolences at this time of loss. We think back on the many fun memories from McKinney and then again after so many years in Charleston. Our hearts break for you all. We know and understand that Michael was welcomed into the loving arms of our Lord and will watch over you all with his gentle spirit. May he rest in peace. God Bless you all.
The Antouns
Brian
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Debbie and I are so sad for your loss.
Ann webb
Friday, May 3, 2024
Grew up with his family
So sorry for ur loss
Ann webb
Friday, May 3, 2024
Grew up with his family
So sorry for ur loss
Ann webb
Friday, May 3, 2024
Grew up with his family
So sorry for ur loss
Pam Hay
Friday, May 3, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. I have not seen Sandy in many years but he was a great guy.