Kenneth Russell Bell, 75, passed away suddenly on Friday, December 1, 2023 in Pinehurst, NC. He was the beloved husband of the late Paula M. Bell.
Ken was born on November 9, 1948 to Herbert O. Bell and Dorothy (Hornig) Bell in Pittsburgh, PA,
the youngest of six children. In 1951 the family moved to Shaker Heights, Ohio and Ken received all his public school education there, graduating in 1967. He attended Bowling Green University, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served four years in the Mediterranean Sea. He moved to Miami, Fl and worked for Eastern Airlines for several years. While in Miami he met Paula Mock and they were married on April 11, 1980. They moved to Pinehurst in 1983 and quickly became active in social, golfing and charitable activities. Ken worked many years as a tax preparer for H&R Block and gave countless hours to enabling others through connections to FirstHealth in Pinehurst and the Moore County community. Always positive and jovial, he was a vibrant addition to his neighborhood and the health care programs that supported his declining health.
Ken’s interests included travel to many foreign destinations, golf, baseball, fantasy football, gifting his time shares to others, and being of service to many men and women in his community and family. He was recognized for his service, but his joy was in giving.
Ken began volunteering in July 1991. He had 2,917 hours of documented volunteer service with FirstHealth (volunteered much more as Foundation hours aren’t reported to FirstHealth volunteer services). He first assisted in Transportation and helped identify the need for a Wheelchair Maintenance program. He served as an Volunteer Advisory Council member. He started in Community Health Services in 1996. He helped with FirstNavistar and was the driving force behind the McTike program (1996). He assisted in Infusion, The Foundation of FirstHealth, Clinical Trials, and he also helped prepare the wires for the masks during COVID.
Surviving Ken are his five siblings: Barbara (Alex) Hill of Milwaukee, WI; Beverly Minnigh of Concord, NH; Richard (Bonnie) Bell of Calabasas, CA; Douglas (Marcia) Bell of Aiken, SC; and Deborah (John) Holden of Moseley, VA. There are many nieces and nephews and their families that had the joy of Ken and Polly’s presence at their weddings and family reunions throughout their lives. All of us were enriched by their caring ways, dedication and love of us. Ken’s family deeply appreciates the compassionate and loyal care given to him by his friends, neighbors, and the medical professionals during his illness.
A gathering for family and friends will be held at a later date.
The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Paula M. and Kenneth R. Bell Endowment Fund at The Foundation of FirstHealth, 150 Applecross Rd., Pinehurst, NC 28374. This fund supports the FirstHealth Cancer CARE Fund and the Clara McLean House.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Service arrangements have been entrusted to Boles Funeral Home.
