Thomas James Bell, Jr.

Thomas James Bell, Jr., 60, of Washington, died on Friday, February 17, 2012, surrounded by his wife and children, in the Washington Hospital, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on September 25, 1951, in Washington, a son of the late Thomas James Bell, Sr., and Glenora Letbetter Aloia. Mr. Bell had worked for 24 years as a compressor operator for Pennsylvania-American Water Company. Prior to that, he had worked at Molycorp, in Washington. He was a member of Local 537, Utilities Workers Union of America. He enjoyed hunting, and always looked forward to opening day of buck season with his son. A NASCAR fan, he enjoyed going to North Myrtle Beach every year, and also enjoyed visiting Florida. He especially loved spending time with friends and family. On May 17, 1969, he married Kathy Chadwick, who survives. They would have celebrated 43 years of marriage this May. Also surviving are a son, Brian J. (Megan) Bell, of Washington; 2 daughters, Marcia Bell McKay and Christy Bell Minnis, both of Washington; a brother, James Bell, of Washington, 3 sisters, Darlene Bell, of Washington, Jennie (John) Sanders, of Washington, and Vickie (Leslie) Carlisle, of Houston; 8 grandchildren, Jordan and Alex McKay, Jacob, Sabrina and Gabrielle Minnis, and Gavin, Laney and Joey Bell. Deceased is a sister, Patricia Harris. Friends will be received on Monday and Tuesday, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, 925 Allison Ave., Washington, where services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2012. Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery.