1SG Edward "Ed" Quitman Bell II, USA, Retired

1SG Edward “Ed” Quitman Bell II, USA, Retired, age 75, from Birmingham, AL, passed away on July 17, 2021 at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham after a brief illness.

He was born on June 23, 1946 in Bangor, ME to Edward Quitman Bell and Fern Graves Bell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, who are interred at Arlington National Cemetery, and a brother, Charles Thomas Bell.

Survivors include, spouse, Ruby Elaine Durbin Bell; son, Jonathan Edward Bell (Nikki) of Richmond Hill, GA; daughters, Amy Bell Nelson (Terry) of Birmingham, and Rebecca Bell (fiancé, Gregory Jones) of Ashburn, VA; 10 grandchildren, Jessica Snellings, Allie McMahon, Jocelyn Domingos, Gabe Nelson, Juliet Bell, JD Bell, Lexi Nelson, Ariana Bell, Joshua Bell and Kennedi Jones; brother, Martin Allen Bell of Bangor; sister, Guametta Nado (Gary) of Huachuca City, AZ; and niece, Amanda Wilcox (Garry) also of Huachuca City.

He graduated from Bangor High School in 1965 and enlisted into military service, beginning his career in the U.S. Army.  He served in Vietnam from 1967-68, where he received the Purple Heart. 

Upon returning home, he joined civilian life where he attended Beal College in Bangor.  After working in the banking industry, he reenlisted in the Army in 1977 and spent the next 21 years honorably serving his country again before retiring in 1998.

His military decorations awarded include: Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Viet-nam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Bar and Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals with Combat Distinguishment, along with other Army achievement and good conduct medals and ribbons.

He loved his family, military life, Auburn University and was an avid coin collector.  He never turned down a cold Pepsi, a beef burrito from Taco Bell nor a soft serve vanilla ice cream cone.

As he wished, he will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery with the military honors he so justly deserved and earned, with graveside services scheduled for Tuesday, September 21 at 1:00 p.m.

The family would like to thank David Storke and Wanda Mengert of Storke Funeral Home and SouthernCare New Beacon hospice for their communication, care and respect shown to 1SG Bell and his family.