Tribute to Cecil Bell, my Dad:  When I was kid my Dad was Davey Crockett, Jim Bowie, Sam Houston, Grand Paw Bell and Superman, all rolled up in one, and until the day he left us he still was. He could ride a bad horse or work a bad cow. He could cross a swamp or creek and still have dry feet. He would show up at home with something in his truck which no man could have loaded or unloaded but he did! He was the smartest man I ever met, a great business man and capable of putting what he knew to work. Dad was born to hard work and he never backed up. Anyone who ever worked with him will tell you he could “reach and get it”. He was the kind of man you never forget.

I started working construction with him in 1974 as a laborer. We had been in the construction business together for 26 years when Dad left this world. We ran cows, owned land and generally did everything together.

I was richly blessed. We talked all the time. I was blessed to hunt with him all over Texas, in Old Mexico and in New Mexico.

We had recently talked about life and death. Dad said “I am not afraid to die and I have a lot of living I want to do but I don’t want to be trapped in this world with a weak mind or a weak body.” Dad spent a few days weaker than he wanted but he was blessed in his desire not to be here any way but strong.

He was a large factor in spreading the gospel message around the country and around the world. He was larger than life and he filled a room when he walked in. Back when we all ran CB radios, Dad’s handle was the “Perfect Stranger” a fitting name for a man who never met a stranger.

Dad could read people and knew what to do with the information he read. He would help you without expecting anything in return. He was a man you would follow.

He loved collecting pocket knives and arrow heads and it appears his collection of friends and family is pretty impressive as well.

He loved this country and this state. He was conservative through and through and always made every effort to try to keep our values and our beliefs from being robbed from us by those who do not adhere to the Constitution.

The NRA and the TSRA were two of his favorite lifetime memberships. He taught all his grand kids to hunt and no one was a good a guide as Paw Paw.

He loved being outside. It didn’t matter if it was BBQing in July or building fence in January, he loved sun rises and sunsets, the stars on a dark night and everything in between.

He loves Mom and was always looking to make “Points” with his Sweetie Pie. He loved his family. He would meet you anytime, anywhere for any reason. He was responsible for reestablishing the Bell Family Reunion which will continue to be held the second weekend in October at the River House in Oakwood. He was proud of his sons, of his grandkids, his great grand daughter and his family.

He remembered the names and faces of everyone he met and everyone he met remembered him. He loved to talk and to laugh. He was humble and respectful with everyone. You could be waist deep in mud or a US Senator and he treated you the same. Both got full respect and dignity.

He touched so many people in such positive ways. He is the guy who God sent to help you when you needed it and did not think anyone knew or cared. He was not a sad person. He would want us all to know that the angels in Heaven are rejoicing, so rejoice for him with the angels.

As he was inclined to say “It will be alright!”

I know taller men and men who weigh more but I never met a bigger man than my Dad.

He was larger than life and full of it. He was my Hero and I will miss him.

I love you Dad. I’ll meet you at the other end of the trail.

Cecil Bell Jr.

07/26/2009

FAMILY
Wife: Dorothy Bell
Son: Cecil Bell Jr, CJ's wife Jo Ann
Son: Ernest Bell, Ernie's wife Kathy
Son: Justin Bell, Justin's wife Julie

Grandchildren:
Logan Bell
Eric Bell
Heather Bell
Roy Bell
Cecil "Trey" Bell
Charlie Bell
Justin Dyer

Great Grand Children:
Shianne Bell