John Shields Bell

Roxboro, NC - Mr. John Shields Bell passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at the age of 90. He was born in Burke County, NC on July 14, 1927, to the late Cecil Edward and Rebekah Shields Bell. Mr. Bell is noted as one of the last great generation. He served his country in the United States Navy, with active duty in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. He received his B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of South Carolina and was a devoted fan of his beloved Gamecocks. Mr. Bell, a popular as well as memorable teacher, taught multi-media art in the Person County School system. He was past Commander of the VFW in Roxboro and a member of American Legion Post 138. John Bell was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Wrenn Bell and by grandson, Michael Ripma. He is survived by daughters, Judith A. Sundstrom (Bob) of Indianapolis, IN and Becky R. Carlson (Bob) of Blaine, MN; sons, David Bell (Elizabeth) of Roxboro, John Shields Ripma (Valerie) of Blairsville, GA and Edward Johannson Ripma (Jody) of Hot Springs, AR; sister, Judith B. Graham (David) of Lanexa, VA; 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by former spouses, Mary Ripma of Indianapolis, IN and Violette Bell of Roxboro. A memorial service will be held at 4 pm on Saturday, April 14 at Concord United Methodist Church in Roxboro with family visitation to follow. The Reverend Karl Neuschaefer will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Legion Post 138, 218 Chub Lake St., Roxboro, NC 27573. The family would like to thank the staff of Maple Heights Assisted Living Facility and Amedisys Hospice for their loving and passionate care. Arrangements are by the Cremation Society of Virginia-Southside, Inc.