Lee Augustus Bell

Lee Augustus Bell passed away on December 12, 2023, in the Intensive Care Unit of Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, FL. He was born in Atlanta, GA on September 30, 1946, to Addison Key Bell, Jr of Madison, GA and Sue Smith Bell of Atlanta,. Lee was 77 years of age.

Lee is survived by his loving wife, Nina Stancil Bell; son from his first marriage, Lee Augustus Bell, Jr. (Anne); two grandchildren (Lee Augustus “Gus” Bell, III; and Gray Coughlin Bell) of Staunton, VA; two nephews, Addison Key Bell, IV (Terri) of Alabaster, Al, and John Scott Bell of Millen, GA; as well as numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother (Addison Key Bell, III); and his wife of 42 years (Robin Moore Bell).

In 1951, Lee moved with his family to Millen, GA, where he grew up loving the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping with his father and older brother (Addison Key Bell, III). Lee was a four-year letterman in football, basketball, and track at Jenkins County High School in Millen, from which he graduated in 1964.

Lee Matriculated at the University of Georgia and was awarded a B.S. Degree in Chemistry in 1968. Following graduation, he attended the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy (Phi Kappa Phi) and graduated with A B.S.-PHR Degree (Cum Laude) in 1970. Following Pharmacy School, Lee attended the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry and graduated with a DMD degree in 1973. During his last year in dental school, Lee also taught full time as a clinical instructor in the Department of Periodontics. He completed his residency at the Medical College of Georgia and received his certificate in Periodontics in 1976.

In 1972, Lee married Robin Ann Moore of Gainesville, GA and in 1976, they had their only child, Lee Augustus Bell, Jr.

Robin and Lee moved to St. Simons Island in 1976, and he joined Dr. Don Alexander in the practice of periodontics. Following Dr. Alexander’s retirement in 2003, Lee later welcomed Dr. Sam Norris as a partner in the practice. Lee retired in 2010.

Lee’s love for the outdoors included hunting, fishing, and playing golf with friends. Woodworking kept him occupied on rainy days. He also served as a volunteer at the Hospice of the Golden Isles.

He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Social Fraternity at the University of Georgia and was a member of several professional societies: American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Southeastern District Dental Society, Glynn County Dental Society (Past President), American Academy of Periodontology, Southern Academy of Periodontology, Georgia Society of Periodontics (Past President), and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Lee was a past member of the Sea Island Club, a member of the Brunswick Country Club and the escort’s Club and was a past member of the Brunswick Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow).

He was an active member of Wesley Church at Frederica.

Lee enjoyed life to its fullest. He enjoyed spending time with his family (especially his grandchildren, whom he adored), and his many friends, whether he was on the golf course, in a duck blind, on a lake, or in church.

In 2018, Lee married Nina Gwynne Stancil of Jasper, GA, and they traveled together throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe; and supported each other throughout their marriage. He often said how fortunate he was to unite with Nina: “She is the perfect wife, companion, and friend.”

He was blessed with many friends. He made lifelong friends while attending the University of Georgia, with whom he remained close and enjoyed the company of throughout his life. Lee also cherished the countless friends he made in the community, many of whom were trusted confidants, revelers, and patient recipients of unsolicited golf lessons.

Lee requested that his ashes be spread on the 10th tee box at the Brunswick Country Club (red tees); on Marx Gaines’ Farm in Bainbridge, GA; and on the family burial plot in the Millen Cemetery next to his parent’s graves. Any remaining ashes, he quipped, “well, you can just surprise me.”

He was a lucky man and he knew it, and often said, “I’ve been bless!”

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Wesley Church at Frederica on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Wesley Church at Frederica; Hospice of the Golden Isles; or Covenant Presbyterian Church in Staunton, VA. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home.