David (Dave) William Bell, 83, of Mint Hill, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2025. He will be remembered by those who love him for his quick humor, enthusiasm for life, service to others, and commitment to his family and friends.

Born in Hammond, NY, in 1941 to William G. and Isabel Moore Bell, Dave grew up in Baldwinsville, NY, spending his summers on the St. Lawrence River, which remained his "happy place" throughout his life. In his later years, he enjoyed teaching his grandchildren to dive off the dock, encouraging them to jump into the frigid water with a countdown they will never forget: "One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go." He taught them to jump into life's opportunities and adventures with the same exuberance.

He graduated from Colgate University in 1963 with a degree in Economics, and promptly enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served his country, including a tour in Vietnam. Dave returned stateside just before Christmas 1965 and was stationed at Fort Bragg. It was there that he met a young schoolteacher, Betty, in the spring of 1966. After a whirlwind romance, the couple married in October of that same year, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together that spanned nearly six decades.

Dave put his faith and family first in his life. The son of a Presbyterian minister, Dave crossed over to the United Methodist Church when he married Betty (also a preacher's kid) and served the Lord in many capacities over the years as a faithful member of Central United Methodist Church. From manning the barbecue pits and Christmas tree lots for church fundraisers, to building Habitat Homes and rebuilding after Katrina on the church's mission teams, to chairing committees in church administration, Dave was a committed servant and counted his church family among the great blessings of his life. He was honored in 2016 as United Methodist Man of the Year for his dedication and contributions to his church community.

Dave was a lover of sports, excelling as a high school athlete in swimming, football, baseball, and lacrosse. That love continued into his adult years, as he became an avid Tar Heel fan, cheering on his Heels every chance he could, whether physically present at Kenan Stadium or the Dean Dome, or watching on the television from his favorite chair. He passed that love along to his children and grandchildren. In his younger years, he coached T-ball, baseball and basketball, and is still referred to as "coach" by some of his former players. He also served as commissioner of the East Meck youth sports league. He enjoyed watching his sons play ball throughout their grade school and college years and took an active role in their athletic endeavors, even keeping score for their adult softball league games. As a grandfather, he enjoyed coaching his grandson, Colton's, T-ball team with his son, Jimmy, and watching his other grandchildren's cross country, swim, and track meets and lacrosse, soccer and basketball games. Whether it was a childhood church league or a college game, he showed up with just as much joy, encouragement, and zeal for his family.

Dave prioritized family and time spent together, never missing a ball game, piano recital, play or band concert—he was in the stands or audience regardless of the activity for his children and grandchildren as their biggest cheerleader. Known to his grandchildren as "Papa," he took joy and pride in everything they did, and during his extended cancer battle, he set goals to make it to their events and milestones. He treasured his time with family, and he and Betty built a home full of love, laughter, and memories to sustain his family. His children and grandchildren felt his love and appreciated his guidance, as they were able to talk to him about anything. They will miss his funny faces, teasing banter, and goodbye hugs every time they left "Grandma and Papa's."

When Dave committed to something, he did so wholeheartedly. He enjoyed a successful career with Travelers Insurance Company, where he worked for 35 years before retiring in 2001. His professional journey was marked by integrity and commitment to excellence. In retirement, Dave cherished spending summers at his beloved St. Lawrence River, where he found peace and joy in nature's beauty and community with his extended family and friends there. He often reflected on these moments with fondness and gratitude, and he gave those who loved him many fond memories of boat trips to the castles, tubing excursions, dirty marbles games, and so much more.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Bell; his daughter Karen (Mark) Carpenter; twin sons William "Bill" (Yelitza) Bell and James "Jimmy" (Suzy) Bell; grandchildren Kayley, Jordan, Thomas, Colton, Lawson, Kenya (Patrick), Enyer, and Taylor; and great-grandchildren Miranda and Khloe. Dave is also survived by his brother John (Susanne) Bell, sisters-in-law Betty Barrett, Huberta Barrett, and Sally Barrett, and many nieces, nephews and cousins, who all were dear to him.

A memorial service celebrating Dave's life will be held March 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church, 6030 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28212, with visitation following the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Central United Methodist Church.

Holland Funeral Service is serving the Bell Family.