George C. Bell

George C. Bell was born on April 7, 1936 in Hawthorn, Nevada. He was the eldest son of George Franklin Bell and Adella Loretta Bush. The Bell family moved to Cave Junction, Oregon in 1946 when he was ten years old. George graduated from Illinois Valley High School in 1954 and attended Shasta Community College/College of the Redwoods where he received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Agriculture. He also studied animal husbandry.

George married Gloria M. Pullen on June 14, 1959 and had seven children: George C. Bell, Donald D. Bell, Alice Marie Bell, Debra Foster, Terry Bell, Lorie Smith and Lee Bell. George and Gloria also welcomed into the family Kathy Wadleigh who is considered child number eight.

George Bell was a great father, pastor, mentor, and was known as the “all around good guy” in the Illinois Valley. Family was George’s number one priority. His definition of family was anyone he said was part of the family. This included inviting in over thirty-seven families that needed a roof over their head and it didn’t matter what age, race, or prior background they may have had, he was “Dad”.

George worked at Rough and Ready Sawmill as a lumber grader. He had the respect of everyone who worked at the mill, the “old timers and the newbies”. George retired from Rough & Ready in 2001. The entire community came to celebrate with him. The venue where it was held was a standing room only.

While working full time at the mill, George was also a pastor and performed many marriage ceremonies for the Community members in the Illinois Valley including those of his children, and his children’s friends.

George’s hobbies including spending time with his family, watching his favorite sport football, roller skating, bowling, collecting stamps, coins, fishing and camping. George loved nothing more than being outdoors doing what he called “enjoying nature”. In his later years he added golf, and the going the casino favorite activity.

Great Father, Pastor, Mentor to everyone in the community

Family was number one priority, and family – his definition of family

A Celebration of life will begin at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 5, 2019 at Illinois Valley Funeral Directors, 26569 Redwood Hwy, Cave Junction OR 97523.

Following the service, we will have a light potluck with snacks/finger foods starting at 12:30 p.m. at the Illinois Valley Senior Center, 520 East River Street, Cave Junction, OR 97523. Everyone is invited to come and bring your favorite snacks/finger foods and to remember George Bell.

Private interment at Laurel Cemetery, Cave Junction.