Rev. Willie Edgar Bell Jr., of Belvoir, went to be with The Lord on August 7, 2017 at his home surrounded by family.

His “Home Going Celebration” will be conducted Friday at 2 pm in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Henry Parker and Rev. Jerry Johnson.

Entombment will follow in the mausoleum at Pinewood Memorial Park.

Rev. Bell was born in Pitt County on June 27, 1928, the son of Willie E. Bell Sr. (deceased) and Atheleen Harrington Bell (deceased).  He was one of five children. He was from the Belvoir community. He married the former Eunice Mae Harris, who survives, on September 20, 1950.

Rev. Willie E. Bell Jr. was called by God in the ministry in 1967. He was ordained by Rev. Gerald Owens and Rev. Alvin Davis. He pastored Mizpah Free Will Baptist Church in Washington, Living Waters Free Will Baptist Church in Bethel, NC, First Wesleyan Church, Greenville, NC and Lifegate Free Will Baptist Church in Pamlico Beach, NC.  He also did supply pastoring for numerous churches in Pitt and surrounding counties as well as officiated numerous weddings and funerals.

Rev. Bell retired from the State Highway Department after 19 years of service. He enjoyed fellowshipping with other pastors, his family and church family. He enjoyed singing, playing his guitar and playing the piano as long as his health allowed. His highlight during the early spring was planting his garden. He loved sharing with neighbors and friends and watching it grow! Many came to know Christ as Lord and Savior as a result of his ministry. He loved the Lord with all his heart and has longed for a very long time to be in Heaven with Jesus.

Along with his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Brenda Drew of Washington, Vicki Oliver (husband Wayne) of Washington; one son, Johnnie Bell (Friend, Shelia King) of Belvoir; grandchildren: Alton Toler (Kim) of NY, Wendy Shea (Jimmy) of Washington, Mark Russell (Angela) of Chocowinity, Jeffrey Oliver (Gabi) of NJ, Brent Oliver of Simpson, Jacquelyn Oliver (Jason) of Chocowinity, BJ Bell (Friend Diane) of Belvoir, Sherry House of Greenville, NC, Nacole Grimes of Belvoir; great-grandchildren, Michael Yow, Ainsley Toler, Corey Toler, Jared Russell, Annika Oliver, Nicklas Oliver, Annalynn Silverthorne, EllaRae Silverthorne, Brandon House, Emily

House, Michael House, Jasmine Rauth, Blake Grimes, Ryan Bell, Ben Mizelle; great-great-grandchildren, Callie Yow and Riley Yow. He had many nieces and nephews he loved as well.

Along with his parents, Rev. Bell was preceded in death by his brothers, George Bell, Eugene Bell, Dennis Bell and one sister Audrey Whichard.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 to 8 PM at the Wilkerson Funeral Home and other times at the home at 5126 Hwy 33 West, Tarboro, NC.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Gentiva Hospice for the care given to Rev. Bell.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations can be made to Belvoir Free Will Baptist Church, 3695 NC-33, Greenville, NC 27834.

Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com.