Ronald Bell Sr.

Ronald Bell, Sr. was born August 4, 1954 to the late Viola and Charles Albert Bell, Sr. He departed this life on December 14, 2018. Ronald was raised in Marion Station, Maryland. He matriculated through Somerset County Public Schools and then enlisted in the United States Air Force. After an honorable discharge, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and he graduated #1 in his class from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. A United Methodist pastor for over 40 years, Ronald served in several roles, including chaplain at Wesley College, Eastern Correctional Institution, and Coastal Hospice; pastor at charges in Mt. Vernon/Venton, Lawrenceville/Dacula GA, Fruitland/Allen, Denton, Pocomoke, Ironshire, and Princess Anne/Oaksville; director of Salisbury Urban Ministry; and Easton District Superintendent. Ronald’s love for God was evident to all who met him, but he will probably be best remembered for his earnest humility and love for people. He enjoyed serving others and was a faithful volunteer at the soup kitchen and many other community programs. Ronald was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend. Ronald loved to travel, and he took his family on many grand adventures, both near and far. He also loved to go “piddling,” which usually included visiting or helping a friend, family member, or parishioner, or possibly fishing, one of his favorite past-times. Ronald leaves a large family to cherish his memory: his loving wife of almost 39 years, Joyce; children, Dorothy (Jerome Sr.), Ronald Jr. (Eboni), and Jocelyn (Traver); spiritual son, JD Miller (Tammie); grandchildren, Jerome Jr., Kevin, Ronald III, Nicholas, Jade, and David; siblings, Charles Albert Jr.(Catherine), Dorothy (Preston), Joseph, Robert (Debbie), his twin brother Donald (Angela), Doreen, and Darlene; god-children, Sean Kelly and Alexis Bell; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends whom he loved like family. When reflecting on his life and journey, Rev. Ronald Bell, Sr. said, “I’ve spent my entire life preaching about this moment: The Kingdom of God. Now I get to experience it firsthand. I am blessed; I’ve had grace on top of grace.” Amen. John 17:4b I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do

Ronald Bell Sr.

August 4, 1954 - December 14, 2018