Arnold Bell

Arnold Bell, of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away on April 15, 2023, after a year of declining health.

He was born in Gordon County on June 26, 1940, to the late Anna Ralston Bell and Jim Duren Bell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and Reece Harris; his brother and sister-in-law, JL Bell Sr. and Clara Hyde Bell; a grandson, Obadiah Dillard; special lifelong friends, Henry Cornwell, Olin Towe, and Hoyle Herndon; and his precious dog, Tator, who passed away just a month ago.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Bennie Lee Herndon Bell; sons, James Arnold Bell and Bryan (April) Dillard; daughter, Mary Beth (Lee) Baker; grandchildren, Josh (Kate) Carlson, Austin Carlson, Kayla (Tyler) Cook, Hannah Carlson, Meghan Carlson, Lacey Bell, Sophia Dillard, Yahanan Dillard, Hadassah Dillard, Caleb Dillard, Yahseph Dillard, Yedidiah Dillard, Stephen Dillard, and Zachariah Dillard; great-granddaughters, Aubrey and Kyley Carlson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arnold attended the Oostanaula School and Georgia Tech. He was a member of The Oostanaula Community Club at the Historic Oostanaula School Community Center and president of the club for many years. He served on the board in various roles and was an active member and volunteer of the nonprofit since its founding in 1973. He was self-employed as a house painter until going to work for Goodyear Plastics in 1972, where he retired after 35 years as a quality control manager. Arnold was an avid fisherman and friend to many. He was always there to lend a helping hand with a smile to any needs in the community. He was a much-loved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend. We will miss him greatly until we see him again.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 2:00 PM from the Chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Gordon Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Mitch Ralston, Chris Ralston, Aubrey Towers, Tim Harris, Racey Harris, Jay Bell, Sterling Powell, Josh Carlson, and Austin Carlson.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 17, 2023 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Oostanaula School Community Club Renovation Fund in Arnold’s name. Please contact Brandon Banks at 706-979-5450 or Venmo to Historic Oostanaula School to make donations.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Arnold Bell.