Frederick Ray Bell
May 5, 1957-January 21, 2023
Frederick Raymond Bell passed away peacefully at his home in Mechanicsville, Virginia Saturday, January 21, 2023, with his wife, Christine, by his side. He was 65 years old.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Martha Bell. He is survived by his wife, Chris; his siblings Steve (Liz), Molly (Angelina), and Amy (Jeff); nieces and nephews Laura, Matthew, Sam, Amy, Thy, Peter, and Alex; his aunt, Mary Jo Moody, and her children, Greg Moody (Laurie) and Diane Spurlock (Mike); and other cousins and extended family. He deeply missed his special pets Brewster and Rosie, who also predeceased him.
Fred had many great friends from Western Guilford High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, from which he graduated in 1974. Other friendships were made during his year at Davidson College, his undergraduate years at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and his time at Virginia Commonwealth University, his alma mater for a Master of Business Administration and Master of Economics. Even many of his students when he taught at the University of Phoenix considered Fred a friend as well as a teacher.
His career at the Internal Revenue Service lasted 30+ years. He enjoyed his job but the greatest blessing it provided was meeting Chris there. They both retired from the IRS and enjoyed their years of relaxation, especially at their river cottage in West Point.
After his injury in 1975 at Virginia Beach that resulted in his quadriplegia, Fred accomplished a great deal and had a happy life. He added a lot to the lives of the people around him, as well, with his intelligence, his compassionate heart, and his twisted sense of humor. An example of his compassion is the care he took of his mother after she became a widow in 2004. Fred and Chris had a home built for her next door to their home, and he made sure she was comfortable over the next 15 years until her death.
He received great care from his parents, Chris, and special friend Paul Welch. The family would also like to thank the caregivers who assisted him over the past few years, including round-the-clock care over the last few weeks, Susan, Sonya, and Jennifer.
Arrangements are being handled by Affinity Funeral Service, Richmond, Virginia.
Thoughts & prayers in the loss of Fred here on earth. He is walking the Gardens of Heaven with his precious pets waiting for the time he will be together again with all his loved ones .
Fred was truly a great guy. He was smart, funny and courageous. I was lucky to have known Fred. I will miss him. RIP
Fred will always be remembered for his intelligence, sharp wit, and being a nice person. We exchanged many comments about our dogs. Praying his family finds comfort and he rests in peace.
Fred was a very special person to my father Everett Calfee. They worked together at the IRS and had the upmost respect and admiration for each other. In addition, Fred was also a neighbor to my family in Avondale. He always had a smile and kind word for the whole family. All the thoughts of love and support to everyone in his family.