Dr. John R. Bell, PhD, J.D., Professor Emeritus, (August 11, 1946 – June 28, 2026) was preceded in death by parents, John Fulton Bell and Hattie Laverne Bell, beloved brother Dr. Bobby G. Bell, nephew Jeffery A. Bell. Dear friends, Judge Tom Gray and Franklin Conley.
John was born in Sturgis, KY. After John dropped out of Christian County High School, Hopkinsville, KY, as a 16-year-old senior, his brother enrolled him in Bethel College, Hopkinsville, KY; he graduated from Austin Peay State University in 2.5 years. He decided to pursue his doctorate. He married Glee Ann Long Bell at Olivet Baptist Church in Herndon, KY, where both their brothers served as pastors. He and his brother, Bobby, received their PhDs together in 1971 from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. A lifelong learner, he received his J.D. from the Nashville School of Law. Practicing law with Charles Hill Beaty and Judge James Hunter in Gallatin, TN.
Having taught at Belmont University, he retired from teaching History at Volunteer State Community College as Professor Emeritus after 30 years. He never met a stranger and loved to tell stories, especially about his Airstream trailer. He was a member of Gallatin First United Methodist Church for 50 years, served as President of the Sumner County Historical Society, President of the Sumner County Library Board, President of Kiwanis Club of Gallatin, and volunteered in the Sumner County Juvenile Court.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Glee Ann Long Bell. Children, Cecilia Leanne (John) Mattingly and Jonathan Edwards (Lana) Bell. Grandchildren, Connor Bell, Devin (Kaitlyn) Freeman, Zoe Freeman. Sister Linda Katherine Bell. Nephew Dr. John Gregory Bell. Sister-in-law, Angela Bell. Great grandchildren and Kentucky cousins.
A private family ceremony will be held. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to the Alzheimer’s Tennessee or the Gallatin First United Methodist Church.
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This obituary was published by Sellars Family Heritage at Gallatin.
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