.
Charles "Charlie" Summers Bell
Greenville
Charlie was born in Asheville, NC, on Dec. 8, 1923, the fifth of five children of Walter A. Bell and Bertha Summers Bell. He is predeceased by his wife, Johannah, his son, Stephen Marion, his sisters and brothers, and his parents.
Charlie and Johannah Elizabeth King Bell met while they both worked at Ernst and Young in Greenville, SC, and married in 1951. Charles and Jo were married for 62 years and he devoted his love to his wife and their five children: Michael King (Debbie Halter) of Greenville, Stephen Marion (deceased), Robert Charles of Greenville, David Whitney (Jeanne Sterling) of Atlanta, and Elizabeth Anne (Chris White) of Maine. They are graced with five grandchildren and three great grandchildren: Lauren Bradbury Smythe (Will Smythe) of Greenville, James David Sigmon (Lauren Strittmatter) of Greenville, James David Bell and Lindsey Elizabeth Bell of Denver and Johannah Catherine Bell of Atlanta; Foster and Emma Smythe, and Libby Sigmon.
Charlie was a graduate of Mars Hill University and Bowling Green Business School (Western Kentucky University). He is a veteran of the United States Army AirForce, having served as First Sergeant, Flight Bombardier, 8th Air Force, 389th Bomb Group, 565th Bomb based in Hethel, England. He flew 42 missions over enemy territory during World War II as a waist gunner, mostly in the B-24 Bomber, "D-Day Patches". He was recognized and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal and European Theater of Operations Medal with four Combat Stars.
Charlie started his business career at S.D. Leidesdorf (predecessor to Ernst and Young) in 1946. He left public accounting to become the Chief Financial Officer of Ballenger Paving Company, (1955-1985). During his semi-retirement he served as Controller of Greenville Technical College (1986 -1995). Charlie worked diligently with The Compassionate Friends, helping parents cope with the death of a child. He was tireless in supporting his children's activities, sports and events and found his deepest joy surrounded by friends and family.
Charlie served on the Board of Directors of several organizations including Camp Opportunity, The Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, and Senior Action. He also dedicated countless Sunday afternoons to special needs children for the First Baptist Church Outreach Program, where he also served as Deacon. He was an avid bridge player and golfer, and continued to enjoy his weekly outings at the Furman University Golf Course earlier this year. He was a man of faith, honesty and compassion. Charlie leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as a war veteran, successful businessman, faithful community servant, committed friend, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and husband.
Memorial services will be 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 7, 2015 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Greenville. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park with Military Honors.
Visitation will be from 1:00 until 1:45 P.M. Wednesday, prior to the service, in the narthex of the church.
The family wishes to express their thanks to all those at The Woodlands at Furman and Homestead Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Caine Halter Family YMCA, 721 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.mackeymortuary.com
The Mackey Mortuary
.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18