Billy Ray Bell, 86, of Elizabeth

(01/29/2019)
Billy Ray Bell, 86, of Elizabeth WV, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 28, 2019. He was born April 11, 1932, to the late Chester and Clover Bell of Elizabeth.

He graduated from Wirt County High School in 1950 and served in the United States Army in Korea from 1952-1954. He was an avid hunter, was a member of the West Virginia Trappers Association and was inducted into the West Virginia Trappers Association Hall of Fame in 2003.

He was a member of the Big Island Run Church where he taught Sunday School for many years. He loved reading westerns and spending time at home along the Hughes River.

Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years Martha (Joy) Bell, daughter Tammy of Vienna, son Tim (Melissa) of Macfarlan, grandsons Joshua (Sarah) of Elizabeth and Jacob of Macfarlan, sisters Dorothy Ash of Parkersburg and Sharon Hutchinson of Newark and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother Carl Bell and sisters Betty Layfield and Alma Morris.

He will be missed dearly by his family, church family and numerous friends. Visitation will be held Wednesday, Jan. 30 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm and 1 hour prior to the service. Funeral services will be Thursday, Jan 31, at 11:00 am at Matheny Whited Funeral Home, Elizabeth, with the Rev. John Larrison and Rev. Dean Ash officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Twist Cemetery with military honors.