Herbert Patterson Bell, Jr., age 91, of Currie died Tuesday, December 30, 2008.

He was born July 25, 1917 in Pender County to Herbert P. Bell, Sr. and Pearl Teague Bell. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Dolly Ann Johnston Bell; sister, Betty Ann Bell Johnston; and brother, Mack Lloyd Bell.

Surviving are his daughters, Melody Bell Brevda (Burton) of Elon, Laura Bell Wooten (Larry) of Raleigh, and Linda B. McLaughlin (Bill) of Folsom, California; grandchildren, Kevin Wooten (Wendy) of Raleigh, Ryan Brevda of Greensboro, Scott Brevda (Heather) of Summerfield, Shelley Wooten Thomas (Anthony) of Wilmington, Leslie Wooten Washburn (Derek) of Raleigh, and Garrick McLaughlin of Marina Del Ray, California; great granddaughters, Bella and Leila Brevda and Hannah Wooten; and sister, Dorothy Bell Miller of Kinston.

Mr. Bell served his country honorably during WW II for 4 ½ years in Battery A, 56th Field Artillery Battalion, US Army, serving in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. Upon returning from the war, H. P. and his cousin, Bennie Frank Williams took over Bell & Williams, a one-stop farm supply and country store, which they operated for 37 years.

He served on the Pender County ABC Board, was a member of the founding Board of Trustees for Southeastern Community College and was a faithful member of the Wilmington Civitan Club.

H. P. "Pete" Bell was a true Southern gentleman who was known for his love of family, his integrity, being an astute businessman, his generosity to others and his faith in God and fellowman. With a twinkle in his eye and a cheerful personality he made friends easily and was considerate of others. H. P. loved to garden and to share his bounty. He loved to dance. His passion was his 1926 Cadillac Phaeton Touring car. H. P. blessed the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2009 on the porch at the Bell family home in Currie with The Rev. Philip G. Eakins officiating.

Burial will follow in the Bell Family Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Allen Wooten Clint North, Dr. David "Duff" Miller, Eddie Simpson, The Honorable Gary Trawick, J. J. Nunalee, and Kevin Wooten.

The family will receive friends on Friday at the Bell home immediately following the committal service and burial.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to Moores Creek Baptist Church, C/O Kaye Nobles, 203 Bowers Lane, Currie, NC 28435.

The family would like to express their grateful appreciation to H. P.'s faithful and loving caregivers, Shirley Carroll, Martha Eakins Lizzie Mae Williams and Leo Wayne Livingston for their many years of dedicated service.

Condolences may be sent to www.quinnmcgowen.com
Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw, NC.