Jerry Bell

Jerry Dean Bell, 87, of Ore City, passed away on December 12, 2025. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories and a family who loved him dearly. Born January 26, 1938, in New Mexico. Jerry lived life on his own terms, at his own pace, and always with a good sense of humor.

Jerry served in the United States Navy as a machinist mate and carried that trade into a career as a machinist, including a time when he owned his own shop. Alongside his work, he followed his passion for the water, becoming a scuba instructor and owning scuba shops, where he spent many happy hours underwater. He eventually returned to his machinist trade and retired from LeTourneau, marking the close of a long and productive working life.

Jerry was a true character, full of life, opinions, and humor. Jerry lived life full throttle and with a healthy dose of humor. In his later years, fishing became his main priority. He fished Monday through Thursday, raised a fine garden, and made hot sauce he loved to share. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren deeply and enjoyed time with them whenever he wasn’t on the water, or telling stories about being on the water.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lanis and Mildred Bell; his brother, Jimmie Bell; and his sister, Cheryl Lannis Takersley.

He is survived by his loving wife, Estella Bell; his children: Jerry Bell and wife Lisa, Bobbette Hignight and husband Randy, Lanis Bell and wife Kari, Tina Yarbrough and husband Kenny, and Stacy Carroll and husband Richard; his grandchildren: Michael Bell and wife Keryn, Matthew Bell, Jacob Bell and fiancée Lindsey, Benjamin Bell and wife Maria, Randy Hignight and wife Bethany, Brittany Darr and husband Nathan, Jeremiah Bell and wife Angelica, Heather Empkey and husband Michael, Malcolm Yarbrough, Madison Carroll and Claire Carroll; his great-grandchildren: Adalyn, Amelia, Jasper, Aubrey, Justus, and Crissy; his sister Colene; along with many extended family members and several good fishing buddies who will notice the quiet.

There will be a time of viewing and visitation for Mr. Bell from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in the chapel of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Ore City.