Robert Thomas “Bob” Bell passed away on November 4, 2022 at Decatur Morgan
Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 27, 1933 to the late Louis and Helen
Bell, Bob, as he was known to all, was a lifelong resident of Decatur. In his youth, Bob was a
member of the first graduating class of seniors at Decatur High School in 1951 and a charter
member of “Shorty’s Boys.”
Following his high school graduation and a semester at the University of Alabama in
Tuscaloosa, Bob enlisted in United States Army to serve in the Korean Conflict, ultimately
completing Airborne School and serving an 18-month combat tour of duty with the 2 nd Infantry
Division in South Korea. During his active service, Bob was promoted successively through the
ranks from private to master sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the United States Army.
Following his honorable discharge in 1955, Bob continued to serve with the 13 th Special Forces
Group (Airborne) in the United States Army Reserve until being medically retired in 1968 as a
result of injuries received in the line of duty, and in 2022 was awarded the Order of St. Maurice
Medallion for serving with distinction and demonstrating a significant and conspicuous
contribution to the infantry arm of the United States Army.
After the conclusion of his active service in Korea, Bob returned and completed his
studies at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, graduating with a degree in accounting in
- He then returned to Decatur and embarked on a successful 60-year career as a public
accountant and business advisor. Bob was a longtime member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in
Decatur, including serving as a member of the church’s Vestry.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Lou Nichols. He is
survived by his wife, Becky; children Robert Thomas “Bob” Bell, Jr. (Anne), Colonel USA
(Ret.), of Huntsville, Libby Neill (Jim) of Decatur, and Scott Bell (Susan) of Nashville;
grandchildren Jennifer Dzwonkowski (Tee), Ben Neill (Sally), Molly Neill, Wilson Bell, Robbie
Bell and Norah Bell; and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will held at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 2 p.m. Tuesday, with
visitation at the church beginning at 1 p.m. Ken Chandler, Paul Crawford, Steve Haddock,
Travis Hardwick, Hugh Morgan, Jud Pheny, Coleman Smith, and Larry Sturges will serve as
pallbearers. Services will be under the direction of Hartselle Heritage Funeral Home. In lieu of
flowers, memorials be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church (https://stjohnsdecatur.dioala.org),
Hospice of the Valley (www.hospiceofthevalley.net), or Decatur Animal Services at 303A
Beltline Road in Decatur.