Leroy Bell

Leroy A. Bell was born October 30, 1936, to Louis Edgar Bell and Sarah Louise Morris Bell. He was known as Baby Boy Bell, but he didn't stay Baby Boy Bell for very long. It wasn't long after that he demonstrated he was more than Baby Boy Bell. He came out ready to demonstrate his ability to move mountains. Leroy was the third of six siblings. He was raised in a loving home in the American Addition, one of Columbus' oldest neighborhoods, established in 1898. His family roots trace back to Cumberland Furnace, TN, where his father was born and raised before moving to Columbus for better job opportunities.

After graduating from Central High School, Leroy served in the United States Army. He had a wonderful work ethic, and when he returned from his time in the service, he always held 2-3 jobs at a time. He loved sports and was an avid University of Michigan fan, and he played softball. He also loved his cars and no dirt could settle on his car, for any amount of time, that is.

He was baptized at a young age at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, originally founded and started in his grandparents' home on Lee Avenue in the American Addition.

After serving his country, Leroy continued to serve the army as a civilian, playing softball, and he then met the love of his life, Evelyn Elaine Walker, and the rest is history. Then, his second love came along, Erica Alexis Bell. She was his heartthrob.

During Leroy's recent illness, he was lovingly cared for by his wife and family members. And now he is in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Edgar Bell and Sarah Louise Morris Bell; his daughter, Erica Alexis Bell; his sisters, Lula Mae Austin and Jacquelyn Bell; brothers, John Bell, Sr., Roland Bell, Frederick Bell, and Melvin Bell.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Evelyn Elaine Bell; brothers, Lawrence Bell, Columbus, OH, and Ed Bell of Detroit, MI; sister Cora Jean Lanier, Columbus, OH, and Sharon Strickland of Detroit, MI; sister-in-law, Delphine Eberhardt of Cincinnati, OH; and Diane Bell of Van Buren Township, MI, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Leroy's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and loved him.