Lucius Perry “LP” Bell Jr., beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Salisbury, N.C., with his family by his side.

Born June 10, 1927 in Catawba County, N.C., LP was a son of the late Lucius Perry Bell and Ida Mobley Bell. LP was the youngest of 11 children. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, Hoyt Bell, John S. Bell, Cecil Bell (Sarah), Gilbert Bell (Beth), Waddy Bell (Lorene), Woodrow Bell (Marie), Joyce Bell Hager (Guy), Francis Bell (Mary Lou), Pauline Bell White (Bill) and Betty Sue Bell Keyser (Don).

For 69 years, LP was married to the love of his life, Joyce Barker Bell, whom he married on July 30, 1949. Together, they had four children, Annette Bell Roberts and husband Hap, Lucius Perry Bell III, who predeceased his parents and Perry’s wife, Darlene, Brenda Bell Fairbetter and husband Paul, and Burt Alan Bell and wife Nina. LP was heartbroken when Joyce died on November 27, 2018.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Heather Roberts Brady and husband Brad, Spencer Fairbetter and wife Amber, William Fairbetter and wife Amber, Megan Bell Smith and husband Bryan, Bethany Bell Clifton and husband Jeremy, Madison Bell Hilton and husband Alan, Perry Bell IV and wife Carmen, Holly Bell Benson and husband Justin, and Jessy Bell Kimener and husband Stephen; and twelve great grandchildren, Bell Brady, Graham Brady, Jackson Bell, Brooklinn Smith, Warren Smith, Lillian Fairbetter, Bennett Fairbetter, Shilas Fairbetter, Ashlyn Fairbetter, Elijah Paul Fairbetter, Woodrow Clifton and Annabell Clifton. LP is also survived by many special nieces and nephews. Many of the happiest days of his grandchildren’s lives were spent with their grandparents on the Family Farm on Bell Farm Road.

LP was a most adored Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Uncle.

LP graduated from Cool Springs High School in 1944 and upon graduating, joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served on the USS Dobbins DE3 and the USS Sproston DD577 until the end of World War II. When he returned home, he joined the Family Dairy Business, Bell Farms on Bell Farm Road. The business was founded in 1927 by LP’s father. Soon after his return from the war, LP and Joyce bought the Dairy, which was in business through four generations.

LP was very involved in community and church and held many roles in his church, Oakdale Baptist. He was a Church Deacon, Church Treasurer and Sunday school Teacher. LP was a man of strong faith; he was a Christian who taught his children and grandchildren the importance of prayer and being in church. The strongest legacy that he leaves to them is that he lived his Christian faith by example, which they all carry with them today.

LP was beloved by many friends, neighbors and family members. He was a man of many talents and interests, hobbies and activities — none of them more fun for him than bowling. LP was always one of the leading bowlers in Statesville and won many tournaments. LP also loved golfing, traveling and particularly enjoyed playing in his regular card games with friends.

LP will forever be remembered for his love of life and for his great love of family and friends. He will be dearly missed.

Much appreciation goes to Dr. Andy White and to his fine staff. Dr. White was LP’s special doctor and friend for many years. Also, the family extends it sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Salisbury and to Ms. Tiffany Ingold, P.A. to Dr. Chet Amin. This group of staff members and nurses are greatly appreciated for their loving care to LP and for the many kindnesses shown to him and to his family.

Because of lingering Covid concerns, a private graveside service will be held for immediate family only and masks are requested. Those wishing to pay final respects are welcome to visit Nicholson Funeral Home Wednesday morning. Full military rites will be presented at his graveside ceremony by members of the Iredell County Burial Detail as well as active Navy personnel.

Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com. Memorials may be given to Oakdale Baptist Church, 585 Mocksville Highway, Statesville, NC 28625.

Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.