Harold Ray Bell

Mr. Harold Ray Bell, age 76, of Waverly, TN, passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2013. Ray was born May 14, 1937, in Humphreys County, TN, to Bert and Gertrude Bell. Ray's life was full of accomplishments. He was educated in the Waverly school system and started his long string of life achievements as an outstanding athlete by being a member of Waverly's 1955 undefeated football team, which propelled him to an athletic scholarship at Middle Tennessee University where he excelled in football and track. Upon graduation, he became a football coach and teacher and was employed for a few years in the school systems in Hartsville, TN and Ocoee, Florida before returning to his beloved Waverly to coach. He progressed from coaching and teaching to academic administration by serving as the Waverly Junior High School principal for a number of years. Later, accepting a position with the State Farm Insurance Agency, Ray served the insurance needs of the people of Humphreys County for 35 years until his retirement in 2006. Concurrent with his State Farm duties, Ray was elected and served with distinction as mayor of Waverly from 1979 - 1986. Throughout his life, Ray was an avid and accomplished golfer and true to his athletic prowess won many golf tournaments and still holds the Waverly Country Club course record. Ray was a faithful and loving husband to Sue, his wife of 53 years; a dedicated father to his children, a loyal brother to his siblings, and a steadfast friend to all that knew him. He instilled confidence in people and treated all with a calm and steady demeanor. His pleasing countenance showed through to the very end. Visitation for Ray Bell will be Thursday, August 22, 2013, from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. until funeral service time at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 23, 2013, at the Luff-Bowen Funeral Home in Waverly, TN. Bro. Samuel Bumpus, Mr. Ron Pace, and Mr. Reed Dreaden will be officiating the service. Interment will follow in the Richlawn Cemetery in Waverly, TN. Active pallbearers will be John Bell, Don Castleman, Bud Webb, Ron Pace, Jimmy Bradley, and David Bell. Survivors include: Wife: Sue Pace Bell, Waverly, TN Daughters: Cyndy Story (Brad), Dickson, TN Renee Muha (Doug), Waverly, TN Brother: Dennis Lynn Bell, Cookeville, TN Grandchildren: Katie Story, Jack Story, and Benjamin Muha Preceded in death by: Daughter: Laura Bell Parents: Bert and Gertrude Sherrod Bell Brothers: Billy Bell, Gene Bell, and Phil Bell LUFF-BOWEN FUNERAL HOME 2400 Hwy. 13 North Waverly, TN 37185 Telephone 931-296-2437 Obituary Line 931-296-3500