Obituary of Edward Bell

      Edward Ray Bell, 83, beloved husband of Audrey Stanek, passed peacefully at their home on September 11, 2023 after a brief illness. Born in Salvisa, KY, he was the son of the late Thomas Raymond Bell and Nannie Margaret Nichols. A 1958 graduate of Mercer County High School, he attended UK, and retired as Vice President Human Resources from Trane Air Conditioning Unitary Division. Former resident of Clarksville, and recently of Mt Juliet, TN. During his career in Human Resources, he was a mediator and negotiator of labor contracts nationwide for several companies. He was active with the YMCA, United Way and other community organizations in Clarksville, TN, St. Louis, and Tyler, TX. His business development began as a young teen when he became a statewide leader with the FFA; this provided the opportunity for public speaking and to develop his leadership skills. Ray was raised on a large farm near Harrodsburg, KY, where he learned to work hard, a work ethic that lasted his lifetime. Formerly married to Donna Black of Harrodsburg, KY, he is survived by their 3 Children, Rhonda Batson and Sharon Burkhart, Clarksville, TN and Ross Bell (wife Christine) of Lakeland, MN. He was proud of and loved all his 4 grandchildren, Chase Cox (Cala) of Roanoke, VA, Joseph Batson, Clarksville, Meredith Burkhart, Nashville, TN and John Henry Bell, our Baby Bell {10 months} Lakeland, MN, 2 precious great granddaughters, Marley and Marjorie Cox, and four Kentucky nephews, Jerry, Guy, Tommy, and Emmet and niece Lisa Crum of Huntington, WV, and stepchildren Richard Clark (Paula) of Hermitage, TN and Kim Stevason (Rick) Madison, IN and their families. 

Ray was preceded in death by five siblings, Walter Carl Bell, Davis Marshall Bell, Wallace Aubrey Bell, Mary Frances Moffett, and Kenneth Bell. Ray was the last family member of his generation.

Ray traced his ancestors back to Gloucestershire, England in 1585.

Ray was a member of Cloyd's Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Mt. Juliet and West Bradenton Baptist Church, Bradenton, FL.

A Celebration of Life service will be October 28, 2023 with visitation at 2PM and service at 3PM at Cloyd’s Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 595 W. Division St, Mt Juliet, TN 37122

 In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to:

Cloyd’s Cumberland Presbyterian Church:as above or  https://www.cloydscpc.org/tithes-offerings

West Bradenton Baptist Church, Building Fund: 1305 43rd St W, Bradenton, FL 34209.