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Howard Carl Bell, Jr., 91, formerly of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away on Sept 3, 2026. .
He was born April 23, 1935, in Loudon, Tennessee, to Howard C. Bell, Sr., and Katherine (McDaniel) Bell Hughes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Janie (Mitchell) Bell; his infant son, Stephen Bell; his brother, Lowell Bell; and his sister, Jane (Bell) Headrick.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Donna (Ross) Bell of Elkins, West Virginia; his grandchildren, Stephen Ross Bell of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Carlyn (Bell) Sprinkle and her husband, Ryan, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and his brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Priscilla Bell of Alcoa, Tennessee.
A 1958 graduate of Maryville College with a degree in vocal performance, Howard shared his love of music throughout his life. He led church choirs at Oak Street Baptist Church, Monte Vista Baptist Church, and Old Niles Ferry Baptist Church. He was also a frequent soloist in college and community productions, including Maryville Collegeás annual presentation of Handelás “Messiah.”
Howard owned several Exxon service stations in Maryville over the years and was equally comfortable singing opera or repairing an automobile. He enjoyed following University of Tennessee sports, though his patience with referees was sometimes short. He also loved traveling, especially camping, and often spoke fondly of a favorite trip he and Janie took to Alaska.
The family extends a special thank-you to Howardás neighbor and dear friend, Linda Lane of Elkins, for her friendship, kindness, and support.
The family will receive friends at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct 23, 2026, in the pavilion at Grandview Cemetery in Maryville, Tennessee, followed by a service of remembrance at 4 p.m.