Jerry Bell, Sr.

Jerry Vince Bell, Sr., age 87 of Paris, TN, died at his residence on August 28, 2020, surrounded by his family.

Jerry was born March 9, 1933, in Sharon, TN, to the late Everett & Maybelle Bell.

He was the beloved husband of Carol Blakemore Bell, who survives, of Paris, TN.  Jerry married his bride on June 26, 1953, at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD.

Along with his wife, he is survived by, and was the loving father to Mary Ellen (Glenn) Blanton of Paris, Diane (Joe) Clayton of Paris, Jerry (Tamara) Bell, Jr., of Paris, Barbara (Dave) Holtgrewe of Paris, Dale (Connie) Bell of Paris, Jackie Bell of Paris, and Kathleen Hamlin (JC Ramos) of Paris.  He is also survived by his 18 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; nephew, T.J. Bell of Flowood, MS; his faithful pet companion, Bella; and his caregiver staff.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother, Terry Bell; one nephew, Jeff Bell; one son-in-law, Jeff Hamlin; and one grandson, Trey Hamlin.

Jerry was a U.S. Army veteran.  He played football for Martin High School.  He was a former State Farm agent and retired in 1995 as a factory distributor for Scott & Fetzer Company.  Jerry moved to Paris in 1972 and bought his dream farm.  He served on the Henry County Planning Commission for many years.

He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, helping organize the local NRA banquets for many years and was one of the top tickets sellers to raise funds.  Jerry was an avid hunter and enjoyed bird hunting with his longtime friend the late, Gordon Owen.  He loved his Lord & Savior, his family, and his country.  Jerry was a very gentle kind of man.  Jerry has attended Holy Cross Catholic Church in Paris with his family since 1972.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family service will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Monday, August 31, 2020, with a longtime family friend, Monsignor John B. McArthur officiating.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.  Named as an honorary pallbearer is nephew, T.J. Bell.

Burial will be in Memorial Cemetery in Paris, TN.

Memorials may be made to:  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.