Charles (Charlie) Earl Bell “Sonny” was born August 12, 1946 in Summit, MS. He was the son of Thomas James “TJ” Bell and Frances Bell “Madea”.

He attended and graduated from Sadie V. Thompson High School in Natchez, MS. He later went to Paul Quinn College in Waco, TX for 2 ½ years, studying Health & Physical Education and English.

He was drafted into the United States Army in April 1968 and went through basic training for six months. He was then shipped out to the Vietnam War, where he fought for 11 months, 23 days in Company A 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry, 2d Armored Division.

From the war he earned the following medals and badges: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Marksman (Rifle) Badge, and Sharpshooter (M60 MG) Badge.

After his service in the war, Charles was stationed in 1969 at Fort Hood in Killeen, TX where he completed his Army service in April 1970.

On August 24, 1968 after completing his basic training, he married his childhood friend, Winola Hawkins, before being shipped to Vietnam. To this union was added eight children (one deceased). Charles moved his family to Waco, TX after being stationed at Fort Hood, and here they still reside to this day.

Charles worked at the candy factory, M & M Mars for 25 years before he retired. While at M & M Mars he played on their softball team before forming a women’s softball team, where they won many trophies for their efforts.

Charles loved to hunt and fish with his brothers, sons and nephews. He also loved motorcycles and owned & rode a red Ducati until he became too ill to handle it. His greatest love: His grandchildren!!!

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas J and Frances Bell; his daughter, Angie Bell; his brothers Chester Bell, Albert Bell, and Gary Bell; his sister, Velma Reason.

Charles is survived by his wife, Winola; children: Casimiur (m. Barbara) Bell, Kisha Russell, Karin Bell, Kathy Bell, Charles (m. Nilda) Bell, Winita (m. Charles) Thomas, Mechelle (m. Henry) Johnson, and two adopted daughters: Carla Barron & Deidre Sanders; sisters: Thelma Wilson, Sandy Bell and Patricia Arbuthnot; brothers: LJ (m. Brenda) Bell, Willie (m. Theo) Bell, James (m. Charlestine) Bell, Arthur (m. Beatrice) Bell, Rickey Toney. His beloved grandchildren: Tiandra Bell, McElree Russell, Justin Russell, Dante Bell, Elijah Bell, Nailah Bell, Malaysia Bell, Casimiur Jacoby Bell, Jacorey Bell, Deanna Bell, Corey Bell, Henry Jay Johnson, Kylicia Johnson, Kellie Thomas, and Colton Thomas.

He also leaves to cherish his memory many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and enemies.