September 8, 2022, 79, Eureka –

Rodney McCray Bell, 79, of Eureka went to his heavenly home Thursday morning, September 8, 2022, at home surrounded by his loving family.

The funeral service will be held Monday, September 12, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Eureka United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow at Eureka cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10 until 10:45 a.m. in the church fellowship hall.

Mr. Bell was born in Wayne County on March 1, 1943, to the late Willie Franklin and Louise McKeel Bell. He was a faithful member of Eureka United Methodist Church where he served on the Administrative Board, the Board of Trustees, and the Pastor Parish Relations Committee.

He was a veteran of the United States Army and was the owner and operator of Bell’s Auto Sales of Goldsboro. He served as an umpire with the East Carolina Baseball Umpires Association. Mr. Bell was a proud member of the former Eureka Volunteer Fire Department and also served on the Eureka Town Board. He will be deeply missed.

Mr. Bell is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Nancy “Nan” Bell; two daughters, Nancy Bell Gaddy and husband, Chris, of Greeneville, and Pam Bell Tyler and husband, Mark, of Zebulon; one brother, Gary Bell, and wife, Debbie, of Stantonsburg; three sisters, Hazel Bell Thompson and husband, Tommy, of Stantonsburg, Patsy Bell Taylor of Stantonsburg and Brenda Bell Pate and husband, Don, of Stantonsburg; three grandchildren, Peyton Tyler, Evan Gaddy, and Nicholas Tyler and a host of other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Eureka United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.

The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.