George Edward Bell

A native of the Commonwealth, born in Richmond, Virginia, George Edward Bell was a graduate of John Marshall High and Virginia Commonwealth University.
Following employment with Sears, and five years as a professional musician, Ed pursued a career in Law Enforcement. Known by most as “Eddie” or Ed, his career was one in which he served more than thirty-five years as a public servant in the local community.
Ed began his career as a Corrections Deputy. During his tenure on the force, Ed served as a Court Room Bailiff, as a Uniform Patrol Officer and as a Detective. He advanced through the ranks serving as an Investigator and Sergeant in the Field of Investigations. With more than thirty-five years of dedication and service, Ed attained the rank of Lieutenant of Administrative Services. His career successes included being one of the first candidates selected for and graduates of The Virginia Forensic Science Academy.
Outside of his work, Ed’s love of music permeated his life. He found great fulfillment in playing his trumpet and flugelhorn in his church bands at Seaford Baptist and Bethel Baptist Churches.
Ed so believed in the message of the Gospel of Christ shared through Seaford’s Christmas Musical, no one handed out more free tickets in the community each year than Ed Bell.
In addition to music, Ed was passionate about golf. He loved the game and playing it with friends, especially the Deer Run Men’s Group and their time together playing on Ed’s favorite spot, the Cardinal Course.
Ed delighted in sharing his interest in trains passed on to him from his own childhood family with his family. At Christmas, Ed circled the base of the family Christmas tree with an antique train track and running train to keep the family tradition going. Ed even took his family on a trip to Pennsylvania just to tour the 1950 611, “Queen of Steam,” – Class J Locomotive Train.
Family beach campouts and Disney trips with Caleb to Star Wars rides at Hollywood Studios Disney were a great joy to Ed.
Enjoying time on the back deck grilling out with Corey for family dinners, the grill masters took pride in feeding the gang together through the summers and delighted many frying turkeys in the Fall.
Ed lived his life providing for his family, community and churches using his gifts, and expressing his heart in music along the way.
George Edward Bell is predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth Cecelia Whitlow, his father, Alton Estes Bell and his daughter, Heather Marie Bell.
He is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Paula Kay Bell, son, Christpoher Corey Bell, grandson, Caleb Owen Bell, son, Lester Farmer, (Kimberly Farmer) Grandsons, Austin, Dylan and Josh Farmer, daughter, Jamie Goodridge, granddaughter, Bunny Goodridge, and Joanna Wolf Bell.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, 1004 Yorktown Rd., Yorktown, VA on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 3:00pm. A reception will directly follow the service at Seaford Baptist Church, 1311 SR-622, Seaford, VA.
In memory and honor of Ed, the family encourages Hawaiian shirts and golf shirts as attire for Ed’s Celebration of Life Service, if desired.