Leonard Bruce Bell

November 20, 1941 - January 13, 2015

11/20/1941 - 01/13/2015

Leonard Bruce Bell

Chesapeake – Leonard “Bruce” Bell, 73, went to be with the Lord January 13, 2015. Bruce was born in Norfolk to the late Francis S. and Myrtle M. Phelps Bell. He graduated from Oscar F. Smith High School in 1959 and attended the University of Maryland. He was a proud veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force. Bruce was a member of South Norfolk Congregational Church, South Norfolk Moose Lodge #464, and the American Legion. He worked tirelessly for his church’s soup kitchen from 2007 until 2014. Bruce was an avid gardener and staunch supporter of the NRA.

Bruce’s life was an amazing adventure marked by world travel, professional accomplishments, and lasting friendships.

His greatest achievements, of which he had many, were his beloved son, Bo; daughter-in-law, Jane; and daughter, Katie. He adored them and would proudly tell anyone his children were the greatest joy of his life. His grandson, David, and great-grandchildren, Haley, Ashton, and Zane would bring out his best smile and the brightest twinkle in his eye.

Bruce had a host of professional accomplishments. He climbed the ranks in the Air Force as a cryptologist, followed by 41 years in the aviation industry managing commercial airlines.

He will be remembered best for his kindness, laugh, smile, and his servant’s heart.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 29 years, Linda D. Bell; children, Bo Sawyer and his wife, Jane of Greensboro, N.C., and Katie Bell of Alexandria, Va.; grandson, David Walker; and great grandchildren, Haley, Ashton, and Zane Walker.

Family and friends will be celebrating Bruce’s life on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at South Norfolk Congregational Christian Church with Reverend Amos Eby officiating. In lieu of flowers, please honor Bruce’s passion for serving his friends in our community by contributing to South Norfolk Congregational Christian Church’s Soup Kitchen. An investment of your time would be most appreciated. Express condolences to the family at altmeyer.com.

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Karen Turner
8 years ago

“Our lives are better left to chance. We could have missed the pain

But we would have had to miss the dance”

And what a dance it was…You will be missed.

Aaron H. Hatten
8 years ago

Dearest Linda,

May the Lord, be with you and the family during this most precious hour of the day.

May he grant you Peace, and Grace, for tomorrow throughout the years.

Aaron Hatten

Lisa Keenan
8 years ago

I will always remember his wonderful smile and the hearty laugh he had. He was very kind, and loved his family deeply. Prayers and hugs to all of you!

Danny Jacques
8 years ago

Leonard gave me the honor of beginning my nearly 3 decade career at American Airlines with him at Norfolk. He was ALWAYS a polite, kind & gentle man! He will be missed! Our prayers are with his family! Blessings!

Langhorne Brown
8 years ago

Sorry to hear about your lost. Leonard

Was a great person he will be missed.

kitty& Ray westmoreland
8 years ago

We are praying for all of the family and we already miss Bruce he was such a kind man. I know they will miss him in the soup kitchen. love to you all Kitty and Ray westmoreland