William Coleman Bell Obituary

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and veteran whose quick wit, hard work, and love of the land touched lives around the world. William "Bill" Coleman Bell, 83, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, at 1:55 AM with his family by his side. Born in Frisco City, AL, on January 25, 1942, to Hillery and Roberta, Bill lived a full and adventurous life marked by intelligence, hard work, and compassion. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Suiba ("Iba") Bell.

Bill graduated from Baker High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After his service, he attended Pensacola Junior College, continued his studies at North Dakota State University to earn his B.A., and ultimately received his master's degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Idaho. He devoted his career to improving lives through agricultural development around the world, living and working in Indonesia, Brazil, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. There, he collaborated with local farmers and government agencies on water management and sustainability. Bill made lasting impressions everywhere he went, and his remarkable work in Lam Nam Oon was honored by the Queen of Thailand, who awarded him one of the nation's highest distinctions.

Bill was known for his quick wit, dry humor, and endless supply of "Dad jokes.". He had a gift for lightening any moment and forming genuine connections with people from all walks of life. Deeply independent and an incredibly hard worker, Bill valued self-reliance and perseverance in everything he did, qualities he both lived by and quietly instilled in those around him. His generosity and charm were matched only by his selflessness and unwavering dedication to helping others.

When he eventually settled into retirement in Crestview, FL, Bill returned to his first love—the land. Whether gardening, farming, or sharing his home with his grandchildren, he found peace and purpose in the rhythms of nature and family. Summers were filled with fishing, target practice, shelling peas on the porch, and riding tractors with Grandpa, creating memories his family will forever cherish. He also found joy in life's simple routines and familiar company. Every Saturday morning, he shared breakfast and laughter with his "breakfast buddies" at Tropical Palms in downtown Crestview, and lunch often found him at Desi's, where he had his favorite table and was known by name.

Until he was no longer physically able, Bill took great pride in growing sugar cane and transforming it into rich, golden syrup—gifts he delighted in sharing with family, friends, neighbors, his postal worker, and countless others. He was almost never without a toothpick and a pen in his pocket, ready for any small task or note that came his way.

A lifelong learner, Bill often began his mornings at dawn with the newspaper in hand, a crossword puzzle nearby, and a quiet sense of curiosity that carried through every day of his life.

Bill is survived by his children: Miranda Woodward (Chris) and her sons Preston (Jayde) and Logan (Emily); Danny Bell (Stacy) and his children Kaylee, Jack, and Skylar; and Monica Bell Sloan (Mark) and their children Aidan, Kaia, and Dylan; as well as great-grandchildren Liam, Joanna, Cooper, and Oliver.

He is also survived by his siblings Cecil Maurice Bell, Mary Bell Lunsford, Elaine (Walt) Davis, Elijah (Janette) Bell, and Richard Bell; nieces and nephews Jaimie Davis, Lindsey Davis, Jennifer Kerry, Nicole Bell, Justin Bell, Lauren Davis, and Bob (Alaina) Best; and by many loving great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Frank Bell and sister Verva Best.

The family is deeply grateful to his caretakers, Kathy and Ashley, whose care and companionship brightened Bill's final years. We know he's now raising a frappe and snapping a selfie in heaven for them—his way of saying "thank you" with a smile.

A celebration of life will be held on November 22, 2025, at Brackney Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 1:00–2:00 PM, with services beginning at 2:00 PM. Burial to follow at Old Bethel Cemetery. The family kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Parkinson's Foundation in Bill's honor, continuing his legacy of compassion and service to others.