Gerald M. Bell, Sr

Gerald M. Bell, Sr., 72, of Church Creek passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Dorchester General Hospital. He was born in Cambridge on April 7, 1941 and was a son of the late Merritt and Lillian Haglund Bell.

He graduated from North Dorchester High School class of 1959. Mr. Bell served in the U.S. Navy. He was employed and retired from John W. Tieder, Inc. He enjoyed reading, working on the computer and watching "Gun Smoke". Mr. Bell was a member of Milton United Methodist Church and a life member of Church Creek Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as chief for several years. He was also a member of the Dorchester County Volunteer Fireman's Association as well as the the Del-Mar-Va Volunteer Firemen's Association Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife Shirley L. Bell of Church Creek, a son Gerald M. Bell, Jr. and wife Karen of Seaford, DE, a daughter Shelley L. Bell of Cambridge, two grandchildren Andrew Bell and Sarah Bell both of Seaford, DE, three brothers Roy Bell of Seaford, DE, Robert Bell of Delmar, DE and Norman Bell of Cambridge and two sisters Bonnie Willey of Bethel, DE and Nancy Harrold of Seaford, DE and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Wilbert Lutz, Emerson "Bunk" Todd, James Marshall, Sr., William Wright, W. James Linthicum, and Kevin Keyes.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at noon at Milton United Methodist Church in Woolford with Pastor Dave Stewart officiating. Interment will follow at Old Trinity Churchyard. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Milton United Methodist Church, c/o Charles Block, P.O. Box 106, Woolford, MD 21677. Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.