Eric M Bell Jr.

Mr. Bell, 90, of Matthews, died Sunday, January 30, 2011 at Carrington Place in Matthews.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, February 5, 2011 at Matthews United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Lyon and the Rev. Judy Hunt officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Born May 21, 1920 in South Milwaukee, WI, Mr. Bell was a son of the late Antonia and Eric Bell, Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers. Mr. Bell was a graduate of South Milwaukee High School. He was a U.S. Army, World War II veteran and was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He retired from Cutler-Hammer Corporation (now Eaton Corporation) after 41 years of service. Mr. Bell was a member of the Milwaukee Choristers for 13 years and the Milwaukee Musician’s Union since 1943. He was also a member of the American Bell Association and Matthews United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Lorraine Hoyt Bell; five children and their spouses, Susan and Robert Harmon, Cathy and Robert Watson, III, Heidi and Karl Gyorfy, Sr., Eric M. and Marcia Bell, III, and Holly and Duane Decker; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Matthews United Methodist Church Music Ministry, 801 S. Trade Street, Matthews, NC 28105.

The family offers their most sincere appreciation to the Carrington Place staff for the loving and compassionate care of Mr. Bell.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.

Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service - Mint Hill Chapel, Mint Hill, NC.