Joe Gary Bell

Joe Gary Bell, age 82, passed away at his residence on Thursday, August 7, 2026.

Joe was born on October 25, 1943, to the late Mattie Lee Runions Bell and William Clinton Bell.

On November 5, 1960, he married his best friend and the love of his life, Joan K. Armstrong. Together, they shared 65 beautiful years of devotion and marriage.

A dedicated provider, Joe worked for many years as the night foreman for the Illinois Range Company, retiring at the age of 55. Not one to stay idle, he went on to operate his own successful cleaning business during his retirement years. After a lifetime of hard work, Joe found his greatest peace and contentment enjoying home life in Shady Valley, Tennessee, surrounded by his family and his beloved cats and dogs.

Joe was a deeply loving father to Karen Jo Bell, Joe Gary Bell Jr., and Bryon Matthew Bell. He was a cherished father-in-law to Fiona MacLean, Herald Policarpio Dayrit, and the late Bill Belt. He was also the proud grandfather of Anthony Lewis (Tony) (deceased),  Jack Robertson Bell, Maisy Armstrong Bell, 

Joe will be remembered fondly by his family and friends as a hardworking, dedicated family man who took great comfort in the simple joys of home and nature.

Byron – How grateful we are for Dad’s kindness and duty to everyone he loved. I want to thank him for being my dad. I love him and I always will!

Joan – We were married 65 years before his death. God showered us with many blessings. In him we give the glory!

Jack – Grandpa Joe was a wonderful man!

Karen – He was a loving man!

Gary & Herald - Much love and gratitude Papa Joe. 

Maisy - Grandpa was a really sweet man.  Kind and strong. 

Fiona & Yuuki – Joe was a wonderful father-in-law. He welcomed me into his home and family from the first day we met and always treated me with kindness and respect. Joe was always there when you needed him and his support never wavered.

A graveside service for Joe will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Monday, August 10, 2026 in Shady Valley Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences and memories may be sent to the family through our website at www.huxlipfordfh.com.

Hux & Lipford Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Joe Gary Bell.