Deacon Sam Bell Jr.

Deacon Sam Bell, Jr., of Ellenwood, Georgia, peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Sam was born on January 21, 1949, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to the late Maggie Walker and “Big Sam” Bell, Sr. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Sam Bell, Sr. and Joe Bell, and his special grandchild, Johnathan Bradley, II.

He was a devoted husband to Valerie Grimes Bell for 23 years and a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who cherished his family deeply.

Sam received his early education in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, attending Scarboro Elementary School and Oak Ridge High School. He later continued his studies at UT College and attended barber school. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge with the rank of Specialist 4.

Sam dedicated 18 years of service to Rus Engineering in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where he worked as a supervisor before retiring. He was known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

A man of deep faith, Sam was a devoted servant of God. He was a member of True Light Missionary Baptist Church and was ordained as a Deacon at Greater White Rock Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Moore. In 2010, he joined Love Life Christian Fellowship Church, where he continued to serve faithfully. 

In 2012, he was ordained again as a Deacon under the leadership of Dr. Grace C. Washington, who remained his pastor until his transition. His life reflected his commitment to service, faith, and ministry.

Sam found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing, working in his yard, planting, and gardening. One of his favorite pastimes—when he could steal a quiet moment away from the grands—was settling in to watch classic Westerns on channel 2.4. He admired the grit and honor of cowboys, especially Wyatt Earp in the legendary showdown at the O.K. Corral, a hero whose courage and sense of justice he truly respected.

Music was also close to his heart, especially old blues and gospel, which brought him peace and joy. As a reflection of his love for music, we can imagine him telling Johnnie Taylor that he spent his “Last Two Dollars,” and now rejoicing alongside Lee Williams, singing with the angels in his new home.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Valerie Grimes Bell; his children: Samantha Bell (Tacoma, WA), Sam Bell, III (Ellenwood, GA), Lekesha Bell (Knoxville, TN), Veronica Bell (Knoxville, TN), Brittany Bell (Ellenwood, GA), and Vanessa Bell (Riverdale, GA); sisters-in-law: Trena McClain (Decatur, GA), Kashara Henderson (Kareem), (Lithonia, GA).

He also leaves a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren: James Thompson, Ja’hmier Thompson, Maurice Bell, Marissa Bell, Maryann Bell, Markel Bell, Thi’Nya Bell, Thiasia Bell, Travis Cattouse, Jr., Tre’veon Cattouse, Etienne Viney, Jr., Najhan Bell, Nahdia Bell, Kelijah Bell, Mykayla Davis, Devontae Glen, Rayona Thomas, James Thompson, III, Mekhi Phillips Viney, and Kash Viney.

He was also a loving father figure to his adopted children, April Bradley, Daphne Alexander, Takeita Locke and Charles Thomas, Jr., and cherished their children as his own: Charles Ferguson, Azaria Ferguson, Maryawna Thomas, Devonte Thomas, Tradaisha Thomas, Ariona Thomas, Kobrianna North, Rondel North, and Reginald Houston.

Sam is survived by his siblings: Charlie Bell (Stone Mountain, GA), Doris Gibbs (Tommie) (Knoxville, TN), Diane Dixon (Oak Ridge, TN), Sandra Avery (Burton, MI), Kevin Bell (Kimberly) (Flint, MI), and Louise Lever (Wiley, TX).

He also leaves to cherish his memory his special godsons, Earl Jamison and Bobby Keener, Sr., Corey Jackson and the Locke families, along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, neighbors, and dear friends.

Deacon Sam Bell, Jr. will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love for family, his servant’s heart, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him. His legacy of love, strength, and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am at True Light Missionary Baptist Church, located at 3229 George Light Rd, Knoxville, TN 37931, with funeral service  to follow.  Interment will be at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery at 2:00pm.

Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary. www.jarniganandson.com