Raymond E. Bell

Raymond E. Bell, 83, Mooresville, former longtime Terre Haute resident, passed away May 18, 2023.  Mr. Bell was born December 27, 1939, in Terre Haute, to the late Robert and Pauline (Huffman) Bell.  He married Connie (Price) Bell on August 1, 1964, and she survives.

Ray graduated from high school while his family was living in California.  After moving back to Indiana, he met his future bride, Connie, while the two of them were at the roller rink in Terre Haute.  As they say, the rest is history.  Ray was a welder and tool maker by trade.  He owned and operated Bell Welding & Machine with his dad for 35 years, before retiring.

Affectionately known to many as “Crazy Ray”, it is fair to say that Ray loved to be the life of the party and do just about anything to make people smile and laugh.  He was extremely generous and would never hesitate to share his time, treasure or talent to help others.  Ray enjoyed fishing, was an avid bowler in his earlier years, and never turned down an opportunity to enjoy some time away camping and boating at Raccoon Lake.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #104.  He always thought of retiring to Florida where he could be closer to the beach, a pastime that he thoroughly enjoyed.  Ray was very devoted to his family and especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s events.  He also loved spending time with Curt Grayless, who he loved like a son, and his family.  Ray’s memory will be forever cherished by his loving family and many friends. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert “Bobby” Bell. 

Survivors include his wife of nearly 59 years, Connie Bell; children, Kent Bell, Amy (Tony) Robinson, and Sarah (David) Rogers; sister, Ruth (Charles) Thompson; grandchildren, Madison (Tyler) Grant, Mitchel and Mandi Robinson; Grace (Andy) Cooksey, Sierra (LaRon) Dulin, and Bryanna (Jonathan) Reece; great grandchildren, Luke Cooksey, Rylie Reece, and Hattie Grant, who is expected next week; last but not least, Sami, Ray’s beloved Shih Tzu.

Ray’s Life Celebration® Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held at the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 39 E. High Street, Mooresville.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 24, 2023, with the Celebration following at 6 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to A Senior Retreat.  Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.