Thomas "Tom" Edward Bell

Dr. Thomas (Tom) Edward Bell a man who loved his Lord, his wife, friends and family. Dr. Bell died January 8, 2011, in Stuttgart, Ark., while pursuing one of his many hobbies and enjoying the great outdoors. Dr. Bell was born June 25, 1935, at Camden, Ark. the son of Albert and Lillie Mae Robinson Bell. Tom went on to spend his younger years in Camden and graduate from Camden High School. Tom spent time in the Navy and later the Army completing his service as a Capt. Dr. Tom graduated from the University of Arkansas with a BS in science in 1956. He attended the University of Arkansas Medical School and graduated in 1960. He spent 2 years in residency in Internal Medicine and then a 4 year residency in General Surgery graduating from those programs in 1966. Tom moved to Harrison and opened his practice in 1966 and was still practicing 44 years later here in Harrison. Even though Dr. Tom had led an exciting life filled with adventure he had found the Lord and joined and actively attended the First Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church with his wife Kim. Dr. Tom had accepted to fulfill the position of Elder in the church starting this year. His love of friends and family helped open the doors to many adventures and hobbies including his love of the outdoors, hunting trips, fishing trips, which led him to travel all over North America and Mexico. Tom had helped Hillary Jones with the project of reintroducing the Elk to this Ozark region. Dr. Bell was known for his love of the Razorbacks even rescheduling some trips just so he could be here for important games. His love of flying led to his pilot's license and many hours spend in the air flying his own planes. Tom will no doubt be remembered by his friends and colleagues for the way he loved life and enjoyed serving other people. Memorial service will be 10 a.m., Friday, January 14, 2011, at the First Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church. Dr. David Artman will be speaking. Burial will follow at White Church cemetery South of Harrison. No visitation is planned prior to the service. Dr. Tom Bell was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Clayton McGarrah. He is survived by; his wife, Kim Bell of the home, his daughter, Leigh Ann Mountecastle and her two children, Claire and Davis Mountecastle; son, Tom Bell Jr. and wife Amie and their two children, Thomas E. Bell III and Christian Bell; son, Jimmy and wife Ashley Schermerhorn; daughter, Michelle and husband Bo McGarrah and their children, James McGarrah, Emilie McGarrah, Elizabeth McGarrah and her two children, Alyssa and Phoebe O'Brien; a step-granddaughter-in-law, Emily McGarrah; daughter Wendy and husband Shannon Knoll; son, Michael Cox; daughter, Krisy and husband Daniel Grant and their children, Grace and Sophia Wilson and Jameson Grant. The family respectfully requests donations be made to the Arkansas Children's Hospital, 800 Marshall Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72202-3591. Services are being handled by Roller-Christeson Funeral Home of Harrison, Ark. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.