Bishop Alton Bell

Bishop Alton Bell, a 99 year old member of the “Greatest Generation”, passed away at his home on Monday, July 5, 2021.He is now free from his ailing body and is experiencing all of the amazements of heaven. He was born on March 24, 1922, in Waldo, FL and was the son of sharecroppers and the brother of 11 siblings.He moved to Oconee County SC when he was 2 years old and spent his “growing-up years” there.He moved to Florence, SC in 1939.He, along with his family, worked hard to run and manage dairy farms in the area.From the years 1939 and 1941, he attended McClenaghan High School and left school early to work at a downtown grocery store, Miller’s “M” System.He worked there from 1940 – 1942. At the age of 20, Bishop joined the Navy and served in World War II in the South Pacific.He served from 1942 – 1945.He was proud to have served with his PT Boat squadron and was always eager to share stories of travel and the challenges they faced.After leaving the Navy and returning home, he met his soon–to-be wife Mildred Irene Bell.They married on Sept. 6, 1946. 1955 was a big year for Bishop and Mildred.First and foremost, their beloved daughter, Sharon, was born.This is also the year that Bishop and his friend, Owen D. Ginn, started their own business, B & G Firestone dealer store.He retired after 32 years of being in business. Bishop was a long-time member of Southside Baptist Church and was very active there in his younger years when he was able to serve.He served as deacon, sunday school and training director, teacher and choir member.He made known of his love for his Father to others.He could often be heard praying softly for those around him and also singing hymns from his old hymn book. He is preceded in death by parents Lawrence and Alma Bell, his wife Mildred Bell, and siblings:Willard (Ruth) Bell, Richard (Irene) Bell, Ruth (Roland) Rose, Vernon (Roseland) Bell, Arthur (Nellie Sue) Bell, Lawrence (Betty) Bell, Joseph Bell, Joyce (Jerry) Davis, Bernice (Woodrow) Parker.Surviving are his sisters: Clarissa (Clarence) Bradford and Betsy Bell, daughter Sharon Gibson, granddaughters: Michelle (Joey) Poston, Nikki (Steve) Supernor, and Shawn Baggerly, and great grandchildren:Collin Poston, Dylan Supernor, Ashley Supernor, and Mykenzie Casimer. He will be greatly missed and we are so thankful that we have the hope of seeing him again in heaven because of Christ’s sacrifice for us.Many thanks to his sweet caretakers, Hospice nurses, and to all his friends and family that visited, prepared meals, provided donations, and prayed for Bishop. Visitation will be held at Southside Baptist Church on Thursday, July 8, 2021, from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm with the funeral service immediately following.Burial will follow at Florence Memorial Gardens directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southside Baptist Church building fund at 1356 Pineland Drive, Florence, SC 29505. Please sign the tribute wall for the family at www.stoudenmiredowling.com.