Forty years ago, a panel of seven doctors from the  Bethesda Naval Hospital met to advise my mother on her at-risk pregnancy, her having to take a category D drug for a medical condition throughout her entire term. Six of the doctors strongly recommended that she have an abortion due to the possibility of birth defects developing. One doctor knew how much she wanted to have that baby and he recognized that, in addition to running countless blood tests to support his position. If it wasn’t for that one doctor, I would not be here today. Nor would my mother have three handsome grandsons. Dr. William R. Bell was that doctor.  It only takes one person to make a difference. I hope to thank him one day. 

It gave me great sadness to learn today of Dr. Bell's passing. My family credits him with saving my mother's life several years back. We came to know him via the phone and then later in person when he came to see my mother.  We had a most memorable visit and he also found time to share his expertise and teaching at two local hospitals. I once apologized to him for calling so late with a question. His response to me that any doctor worth his salt is on call 24/7 epitomizes his devotion to medicine, and humanity. My sincere condolences to his family.   Nancy Yaeli


Dr Bell epitomized the magical wonder of learning and discovery combined with an amazing kindness and caring for his patients and trainees and friends family . I'm forever in his debt for his mentor ship as a student. I'm very sad to learn of his passing and wish the best for his family..
~  Niel Starksen, Los altos, California

Upon my visit today with Dr. Alison Molinterno, I learned of Dr. Bell's death.  See much sadness to lose a man as eccentric as he was. As a patient of his from 1994 to 2002, he definitely saved my life with his research of plasmapheresis.  You never knew when he would show up in your hospital room, day or night,usually hungry.  I hope he knew and his family knows how many lives he touched.  God Bless.

Dr. Bell was a national treasure. A true delight to associate with, he had a sense of humor that could not be matched. He was a truly talented intellect who was utterly devoted to, not only his patients, but to mankind. Brilliant on many levels, we can only hope his footprints in the study of hematology can be mimicked. Johns Hopkins Hospital was lucky to have him and we are all blessed that he had a family willing to share him. My sincere condolences to the Bell family.
So sorry to have missed the funeral.
Elizabeth Brady Wasielewski

Dr Bell was an exceptional clinical doctor who was always willing to share his stories and grand wisdom with younger doctors and students. I will NEVER forget the lessons he taught me during my training. Unique by all measures. One of the many who made Hopkins great. He will be missed.

Bill was a great role model for me during my residency, and for many others, always deeply devoted to his patients and providing the finest of care, day and night.  It was a privilege to work with him.  And briefly, I was a patient of his as he rolled me from Marburg 1 down for a V/Q scan one Saturday night in 1985....it was a typical Bill Bell scene!  I also had the pleasure of working with Barbara for some time--Barbara, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

I worked with Dr. Bell for many years when I was in the Blood Bank at JHH. I will always be grateful with the honor of working with him. He had so much knowledge to share. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Patricia Kastal

My sister Margaret Wise was a patient of doctor Bell for many decades. By the things she would say, I KNEW with certainty she was in good hands. She now sees Dr. Allison Moliterno at Hopkins.  Blessings on his family.

Bill was directly responsible for my career starting at Hopkins. I did a fourth year clerkship with Bill and Lock Conley as my preceptors. I could not have asked for better teachers and mentors. He was instrumental in my development as a physician and I cherish the times we spent together over the past 35 years.
Dana Frank

My Deepest Sympathy to the family of Dr. William Bell. I hold all of you in my Thoughts and Prayers. As someone who knows his Dear Wife, I have heard many wonderful facts and stories from and about him. 
 , God Bless You,
 Nancy King

Bill Bell was a wonderful physician and mentor that helped make The Johns Hopkins Hospital a very special institution. A great loss.

In lieu of flowers, Dr. Bell's family asks that contributions may be directed in his memory to the William R. Bell Lectureship, Attn. Anne M. Kennan, Dept. of Medicine Development Office, FJHM, 5200 Eastern Ave., MFL Center Tower, Suite 355, Baltimore, MD 21224-2735.

I first met Dr. Bell in 1978 as a scared young woman when I was referred to him with a low platelet count.  We developed an interesting patient doctor relationship throughout the years and I always looked forward to our visits at Hopkins.  He demanded excellence from everyone around him and that was a comfort to me as his patient.  I am sure his family must feel a sense of comfort that he was such a help to so many people.

Bill Bell was a great doctor, wonderful friend and wise counselor. May God bless him.  Tom and Helen Reilly

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dr. Bell will be missed throughout the world.  I have known Dr. Bell since I was a young boy and he saved my life on more than one occassion.  Dr. Bell was not only my intelligent , compassionate doctor, he was my friend. 

David Gilley and Family

George - I am so very very sorry to hear about the passing of your father...I loved the stories you used to tell us about him :). Thoughts and prayers with you and your family during this time.

OBITUARY

William R. Bell, Jr. MD

14 October, 1935 – 7 October, 2013

Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley Inc.

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