Francis Marion Bell Jr., 78, of Statesville, N.C., passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at his home.

Marion was born on October 18, 1946, in Iredell County to the late Francis Marion Bell Sr. and Mary Lou Tucker Bell. He was a graduate of Cool Springs High School, and he attended N.C. State University. He was a member of Oakdale Baptist Church, and he was a farmer who loved gardening.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Bell Holland, and a brother, Dennis Bell.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 59 years, Brenda Lloyd Bell; sons, Francis Marion Bell III (Sandy), and Lloyd Dollie Bell (Stephanie); grandchildren, Brooke B. Bittinger (Karl), LeAnne B. Speece (Shannon), Tucker Bell, Janna Bell, and Brandon Gregory; great-grandchildren, Maverick Bittinger, Memphis Bittinger, Axle Bittinger, Maeve Bittinger, and Oliver Gregory; brother, Terry Bell.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, at Oakdale Baptist Church with Rev. Tony Daniels officiating. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 2 until 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be Oakdale Baptist Church, 585 Mocksville Highway, Statesville, NC 28625.

Troutman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bell family.