Charlie Homer Bell III, 87
Funeral services for Charlie Homer Bell III, 87 of Metter, were held Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Anchor Worship Church in Metter with Reverend Jessie Goodman officiating. Interment followed at Lake Church Cemetery. There was an open visitation Friday, January 21, 2022 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Anchor Worship Church in Metter with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. to receive friends. He passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Candler County Hospital following an extended illness.
Mr. Charlie Homer Bell III was born March 9, 1934, in Swainsboro to the late Charlie Homer Bell and Faye Short Bell. He graduated from Metter High School in 1952 and became a Marine.
When he returned from the Marine Corp, he went to work in the family business, where it was a family affair. Bells Dairy was a local dairy farm, and dairy farming meant long days that started very early and often ended late from gathering and planting crops.
In 1981, he became Candler County’s sheriff, having the honor of serving the people of Candler County for more than 34 years. He worked long hours in his profession and never complained. It was common to hear him say to call him if you needed him—and he meant it.
Mr. Bell was an avid Metter Tiger football fan and led the team to all away games. He loved Metter and often used the slogan wherever he went that, “everything was better in Metter.” Although not born there, he loved Candler County and its people. He always asked when he went somewhere where someone was from, and that always started a conversation about something they had in common.
Mr. Bell attended Anchor Worship Center. He loved to gather with family and friends to share a good meal, and there was always lively conversation. He loved to hunt deer, fish, and could be found outside riding around with his dog, Yellow.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Bell was preceded in death by his lifelong friend and mother of children, Betty Manuel Bell; brother, Bobby Bell; sisters, Betty Bell Driggers and Joyce Bell Rooks; and nephew, Mike Rooks.
Survivors include his daughters, Belinda Bell Tiller and Susan Steele (Scott); grandchildren, Anna Tiller, Trey Tiller, and Ashlyn Steele; nieces, Donna Driggers Waters, Rhonda Rooks Kattegat (Ray), and Angie Bell; great-nephews, Kris Storey (Darlene), Blake Storey, Ransom Rooks (Kym), and John M. Rooks (Jenny); great-niece, Leslie Storey Cole (Tim); and many friends.
Pallbearers were Mark Bland, Bryson Collins, Matt McGowan, Brian McGowan, Ronnie Flynt, Danny Durden, Chris Tiller, Kris Storey, Blake Johnson, Blake Hendrix, Rand Hendrix, Randy Hendrix, Jessie Kersey, and Ransom Rooks. Honorary pallbearers were any law enforcement officers present.
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.