News Summary
Fred Bell, a prominent community leader and philanthropist from Columbus, MS, has passed away at the age of 88. His significant contributions to local organizations and charitable initiatives will be remembered. Visitation services are scheduled, followed by a celebration of his life, highlighting his dedication to service and community improvement.
Columbus, MS – Community leader and philanthropist Fred Bell passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on June 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, Fay Christian Bell, and daughter, Petie Bell. His contributions to the community and various organizations will be remembered as significant milestones in fostering local support and civic engagement.
Visitation for Fred Bell will take place on June 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home in Columbus. Following the visitation, a celebration of his life will be held at the same location at 2:00 PM. The service will be officiated by Brother Charlie Whitney, with a special eulogy focusing on Fred’s philanthropic endeavors delivered by Pete Bowen.
Born on August 29, 1936, in Starkville, MS, Fred was the son of Lee Roy Bell and Nancy Addie Bell. His long-standing commitment to community service began early in his life, where he actively engaged in local initiatives and held various leadership positions throughout his career.
Fred’s professional life was largely centered in the retail sector, where he held notable positions in Kent’s Dollar Store and Shainberg’s. His dedication to community service also led him to become a long-time deacon at Grace Baptist Church, reflecting his deep-rooted faith and commitment to serving others.
In 1971, Fred co-founded the Lowndes County Council on Aging, serving as Treasurer for an impressive 25 years. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Helping Hands, an organization dedicated to assisting those in need of food and shelter. His leadership was further demonstrated in his role as chairman of the Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers in 1994, a position he held until 2020 while contributing as treasurer until that year.
Fred Bell’s involvement extended to numerous local organizations, including the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and FEMA. His civic engagement also included serving as the Lt. Governor of the Mississippi North District for Civitan International for three consecutive years, and he was elected as Governor in 2005. His dedication to civic service earned him several distinguished awards, including the Civitan of the Year honors in 1989 and 1990, as well as the Distinguished Governors Award in 2004. He was also recognized with Distinguished Service Awards from Governors Cliff Finch and Bill Allain and received the Volunteer of the Year award from various local organizations, in addition to President Bush’s Distinguished Call to Service Award in 2004.
In a noteworthy chapter of his public service career, Fred was elected to the Columbus City Council in 1989, where he represented Ward 3 until 1997, serving as Vice Mayor from 1989 to 1993. His dedication to civic duty and community improvement was evident through his various roles and contributions over the years.
Fred is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 68 years, Fay Christian Bell; daughter Petie Bell (Wayne Jones); grandson Derick Hatcher; and sister Pat Burkey (Barry). He was predeceased by his son, Brent Bell; daughter-in-law, Brenda Bell; and three brothers. In honor of Fred’s enduring legacy, his family requests that donations be made to Grace Baptist Church or St. Jude’s Research Hospital in lieu of flowers, continuing his spirit of giving and compassion.
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- C Dispatch: Fred Bell Obituary
- Wikipedia: Fred Bell
- WCBI: Fred Bell Retires
- Google Search: Fred Bell
- Legacy: Butch Bell Obituary
- Google Scholar: Fred Bell
- C Dispatch: Pink Ladies and Red Coats
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fred Bell
