Oscar McNiel "Niel" Bell, Jr

Reidsville,

Mr. Oscar McNiel “Niel” Bell, Jr., age 73, passed away Sunday, May 27, 2018 at Memorial Health University Medical Center with his wife by his side. Niel Bell had a wonderfully, full and interesting life. After having polio as a child, he, as an overcomer, went on to play football in several schools where he had lived as a preacher’s kid. His highlight though was playing his senior year for the Valdosta High School Wildcats, under Coach Wright Bazemore. He was known as the winningest high school coach in Georgia history. After high school, he lived at the Wesley Foundation on Valdosta State College campus, working two jobs on his way toward a BA in Sociology. He then went on to enlist in the United States Army, where he became a Lieutenant and served in the Vietnam War. He received several medals of honor for his courage and extraordinary leadership. Niel was a lover of music. He was a soloist on many occasions and also taught guitar lessons. He served in many churches as the music minister, the most recent being Hagan United Methodist Church. Niel held many jobs over his lifetime. He was employed as a real estate agent, math teacher and was loved by all the Clyde’s Market shoppers. He was currently employed by the Georgia State prison as the media specialist and Notary Public.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Marda Huggins Bell of Reidsville; son, Oscar McNiel (Brittany) Bell III of Jacksonville, FL; a step son Niel raised, Ken (Beth) Cohen of California; Marda’s children, Jody (Jillian) Shealy of Canada, Pat Shealy and Chip (Jennifer) Shealy all of Alabama, Benjamin (Ashley) Shealy of Tennessee; sisters, Martha Virginia (Gary) Spivey of Florida and Anne (Joel Sr.) Willis of St. Simons Island; grandchildren, Oscar McNiel Bell IV and Henry Bell; four step grandchildren by Ken; ten step grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00pm on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at the funeral home.  Funeral services will be conducted 10:00am  Friday, June 1, 2018 at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville with the Reverend Kathy Israel McLeod officiating.

Memorials may be given to The Salvation Army, 3100 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31405

Low Country Cremation and Burial is serving the Bell family.