Ray Bell

Ray L. Bell went to be with his Lord on Sept. 15, 2009. Ray passed away at his home after a brave battle with bone cancer. His passing came peacefully with his immediate family at his side.

Ray Bell was born in Davis, OK on November 12, 1920 to Grady and Hattie Slater Bell. His parents preceded him in death, as did his sister; Wilma New of Tularosa, NM, and his brothers; Charles Bell of Carrollton, TX and Royce Bell, killed in WWII at age 22. Ray also grieved the death of his only son, Richard Rick Bell in 1995.

Ray is survived by his wife of 40 plus years, Jan Bell; two daughters; Karla Drake and husband Jeff, of Chapin, SC, and Jill Najar and husband Tony, of Roswell, Eight Grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Ray Bell, a born entrepreneur, began his business career in Davis, OK as a paperboy. He maintained a bicycle shop at his home and also ran popcorn and cider stands while growing up in Oklahoma. It was in his early teen years that Ray developed a life long love of reading the Wall Street Journal. Business was his passion. At only age 16, Ray had saved enough money to buy his first piece of real estate, a small house in Davis, Ok, which he kept until death. Ray graduated high school at age 16, and went on to graduate Brauns Business College at 18 years of age. Ray came to New Mexico in 1939 to work for Franklin, Astin and Fare Oil Co. as a Bookkeeper.

With the start of WWII, two of Rays brothers joined the armed forces, which left Ray as sole provider for his family. Always working hard and saving, he also gave back to his community. As many dads were off to war, Ray became a young Boy Scout leader in the 1940s. Eventually, Ray, was drafted into the army and graduated from the Officers Candidate School. He saw a great part of the world while serving his country until the end of the war in 1945.

Anxious to get back to his business career, Ray worked hard, saved and soon delved into his first New Mexico business in Artesia with three other partners, whom he soon bought out. He then began his acquisitions in Roswell, making this is home. Over the next 60 years, Ray started or purchased many other Oil, Gasoline and Propane Companies. He also started the Oil Jobbers Association for New Mexico and served as President for many years. Ray achieved his pilots license in the early 60s and enjoyed flying for decades

Ray Bell was a generous businessman. He knew the value of education and hard work and encouraged and provided higher education and job opportunities to many. He loved his Lord and his community and served both well. Ray was a young deacon at First Baptist Church, a lifetime member of Kiwanas and of Gideon International. He and his wife, Jan, supported both home and foreign missionaries. Ray was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for over 40 years.

Visitation will be held for family and friends at Lagrones Funeral Chapel on Thurs., Sept. 17, 2009 from 5-7pm. Funeral Services will be held at 1pm on Friday, Sept. 18, 2009 at Calvary Baptist Church, with Pastor Mike Eberhardt officiating. A Private, Family burial will follow.
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Visitation

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 South Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Thursday, September 17, 2009
57:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Calvary Baptist Church
1009 W. Alameda
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, September 18, 2009
1:00 P.M.

Memorial Contributions

P.O. Box 777
Roswell, NM  88202


P.O. Box 629
Portales, NM  88130


1107 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203