William Lawrence Bell

1934      W. L.    2023

William Lawrence Bell, also known as W. L., Dub and Bill to family and friends, met Jesus’ loving arms July 24, 2023. He was born on November 14, 1934, to the late Ethel and Ervin Bell of Eva, Tennessee. He was a charter member of Eastside Baptist Church of Camden, Tennessee.

His Life journey of 88 years was full and complete. He met the love of his life, Shirley Glover, on the steps of Camden High School in 1952. Four years later, they married in Tampa, Florida. Shortly after the wedding ceremony, they left Tampa and moved to Jackson, Tennessee where he attended Union University, and UT Martin.  Three years later, he completed his Chemistry degree at Middle Tennessee State University.  During his years at college and into the first few years of marriage, he served as a Sargent in the National Guard Reserves.

His first job as a chemist was with Grace Chemical Company in Memphis, Tennessee where he and Shirley resided for many, many years. As the years passed, his career expanded as an independent research and development and quality control chemist.  He formulated many household and agricultural chemical products still in use today.  He continued to work in the agricultural chemical industry as a consultant and formulator for ChemStar Agri-Products of Parma, Missouri until his full retirement in Fall 2021. He was well respected and loved among his peers in this industry where he served for 63 years.

His presence impacted so many people who have crossed his life path. He loved people, loved to talk, and share stories and wisdom.

He leaves his legacy to his daughter, Laura, and to very close friends whom he has considered as his “extra daughters”: Diane Vailes, Robin Bates and Marcy Daugherty.  He is preceded in death his wife of 53 years, Shirley Glover, sister Helen Waters, brother Bennett Bell, nephew John Bell, all of Camden and also, his brother-in-law Jerry Glover and sister-in-law Mary Ann Fara of Tampa, Florida.  He is survived by 6 nieces and nephews, 11 great nieces and great nephews and several cousins.

Graveside service will be held on Monday July 31, 2023, at 9:30 am at Benton Memorial Gardens with Bro. Chuck Williams of Brighton Baptist Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family has asked to honor his memory with a donation in his name to a charity.  A list and contact information are listed below. Because W.L. was a very compassionate man and passionate about supporting those with special needs, the family has selected the following:

Shriner’s  Hospital for Children

https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/giving

West Tennessee Downs Syndrome Association

https://www.dsawt.com/

Autism Resources of the Mid-South

https://autismresourcesmidsouth.org/

Dogs for Better Life (formerly known as Dogs for the Deaf)

https://dogsforbetterlives.org/

The family thanks you for honoring his memory.