Joel Bell

WILMINGTON - Joel Henry “Joe” Bell was born March 28, 1934 in Richmond, Virginia to Arthur Samuel Bell and Burnice Marie White Bell. His father left to join the army at an early age. He grew up working on his family’s farm taking care of all of the animals. He later attended Virginia Tech and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Animal Husbandry. He has been a die-hard Virginia Tech fan ever since. He quickly joined the United States Army as an infantryman and served in the Vietnam War. He became a full bird Colonel and commanded huge battalion of soldiers in the army. He loved all of his friends and family fiercely.
After moving to Wilmington, NC in 1996, he spent most of his time working as a real estate agent for Prudential. His greatest joys in life came from spending time with his loved ones; his friends, family, and pets. He loved attending the Tech football games and continued to watch every season. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather (or Bapaw). He is survived by his wife Carolyn L. Bell, daughter Elizabeth (Beth) S. New, and two sons William Bell and John Bell as well as two Grandchildren, Leah S. New and Zachary P. Bell. Joe and Carolyn were able to have spent over 67 years of marriage together.
He passed away peacefully at New Hanover Regional Medical Center Sunday morning June 12th, 2022 and was lucky to be able to say goodbye to his loved ones. He was surrounded by love and will be forever missed.