Mr. Herbert C. Bell, 95 of Gainesville died Saturday June 9, 2012 at his residence following an extended illness.
Born in White County, Georgia, Mr. Bell had lived in Hall County since 1929. He was the son of the late William Herbert and Bertie Warwick Bell. Mr. Bell attended Candler Street School and was a graduate of Gainesville High School class of 1934. He established Bell's Cleaners on Washington Street November 30, 1936, which he owned and operated until he sold the business in July of 1977. Mr. Bell served in the United States Army during World War II and was a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church on Washington Street since 1933.
While a member at St. Paul, he served on numerous committees. He was Chairman of the Officers Board from 1956-1957 as well as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1978-1981 and 1983-1986. Mr. Bell was also active in a number of civic clubs in Gainesville, serving as President of the Gainesville Lions Club 1967-1968, where he also was a Melvin Jones Fellow, member of the Paul E. Bolding Post #7 American Legion and the Elks Club.
Mr. Bell founded the local Hudson Car Club in Gainesville in 1972 and his home has been the site of the annual chapter business meeting. Mr. Bell was known for his collection of old cars, many of which were Hudsons that he loved dearly. One of his most famous cars was in the movie "Driving Miss Daisy"; he still owns that vehicle today.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law Ken and Joe Dunn, Savannah, Ga.; grandchildren Bryant and Michelle Dunn, Savannah, Ga. and Corbin Dunn, San Antonio, Texas; great grandchildren, Madeline, Bryce and Ross, all of Savannah. A number of nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews also survive.
The family would like to say a special thank you to caregivers Wanda Garmany and Doris Hewell, both of Gainesville, who took such wonderful care and showed so much love while taking care of Mr. Bell.
Mr. Bell is preceded in death by his wives Doris Blackstock Bell and Frances Bolton Bell and also four brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Thursday June 14, 2012 in the Little & Davenport Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Calvin Haney will officiate. Interment will follow in the Alta Vista Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until the funeral hour.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the St. Paul United Methodist Church Building Fund, 404 Washington Street, Gainesville, Georgia 30501.
Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at littledavenport.com.
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W., Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
