George Anthony Bell

George Anthony Bell, of Renton, Washington, died peacefully at the age of 75, on March 18, 2021, after an unexpected heart attack. George was born in Mobile, Alabama, on January 26, 1946. He graduated from C.E. King High School in 1963, in Houston, Texas.

George was an ordinary man, who was extraordinary. He was a loving father, partner, brother, and friend. Extremely passionate about life and lived each day to the fullest. George was also funny and kind. He was hard working, talented, and people in every walk of life were drawn to his warm and friendly personality. He could be quiet and calm, or the life of the party. His superpower was being able to soothe any fussy baby with his deep resonating voice. His laughter was infectious and made everyone around him laugh and smile.

George grew up all over Texas because his dad was a brick layer and they moved where the jobs were. They spent time in Bryan, Texas, where he became a big Texas A&M fan. He was a provider and felt strongly about taking care of his family. He held many different jobs from produce boy at the local grocery store, to stock manager at a printing company, to long-haul truck driver. He worked for years on commercial docks as a longshoreman stacking cargo – and playing poker with co-workers to stretch his paycheck. He drove his family to Washington in his early 30’s, and his brother Bob taught him how to hang wallpaper and paint. He mastered that trade and made the world a prettier place one job at a time.

George spent his entire life enjoying the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, camping, water skiing and boating. He loved swimming, high diving, hot rods, motorcycles, gardening, rodeos and was a tournament level bowler. George saw life through an artist’s lens and loved painting landscapes and animals. He loved spending time with his family and dressing up to entertain people…with BoBo the Clown being his favorite character.

George was predeceased by his father Roland Anthony Bell, his mother Vadia Lorina Crider Bell, brother Charles Darvin Bell, and sister Louetta Rosetta Bell Mathewson. He is survived by his elder brother, Robert Houston Bell, with wife Lucy, of Bothell, WA; daughter Charolette Mace of Kent, WA, with husband Gregory; son Anthony Dorvan Bell of Centralia, WA; daughter Stacie Backus of Warren, OR, with husband Joseph; and daughter Brenda Webb of King’s Beach, CA, with husband Jason. He is survived by eight grandchildren: Natasha Crouch, Alexander Bell Nakadai, Dakota Backus, Robert Backus, Denver Backus, Jacob Webb, Sydney Webb, and Whitney Webb. He leaves behind a loving partner of 28 years, Ramona Claeys Burr, and her sons Michael McDermott, Ramon McDermott and Tanner Burr, together with their spouses and children.