Joel Fred Bell

Joel Fred Bell, age 55, of Cosby, Tennessee, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, May 5, 2016, while working on the land that brought him much enjoyment. Joel was born on July 7, 1960, in Newport, Tennessee, to Frank and Una Bell. He was a lifelong learner who began his education at Cosby Elementary, graduated from Cocke County High School in 1978 and Carson-Newman College in 1983 with his teaching degree. His coaching and teaching career started at Harriman High School, went on to Cocke County High School and was completed at Cosby High School and Cosby Elementary. He was a talented football player and coach and married his wife, Carol, after a Friday night Cocke County High School game on October 21, 1988. He was an exuberant member and deacon of Webb Baptist Church. He lived each day as a selfless compassionate friend to others. Joel was a treasured husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and neighbor. As he lived out being a loving servant of Jesus Christ, his many roles included farmer, mentor, encourager, warrior in prayer, helper, Gideon, teacher, and coach. Joel's love and prayers live on in the lives of his wife Carol; step-daughter Alicia, son-in-law Alex, and granddaughter Grace Elizabeth Datzman; parents Dr. D. Frank and Una Bell; siblings Dallas (Janice) Bell, John (Vida) Bell, Daniel (Sharon) Bell, Linda (Marty) Meeks, Rebecca (Rex) Hunter; sisters-in-law Sheila (Allen) Evans and Jan (Detlef) Gussman; nieces and nephews Luke and Meredith Bell; Jenna and Kayla Bell; Trevia Berry, T.J., Sam, and Micky Meeks; Hannah, Thomas, and Carmen Hunter; Jake Stokely; Eric and Mitchell Barnes; and Josh Ward; great nieces and nephews Jazlin Layrock; Makiland, Kourtland and Ashland Bell; Justin, Jon and Joanna Berry; Luke and Lydia Meeks; Cameron, Leah, Lani, Braden, Ava, and Carter-Lee Meeks and Eric Schrimsher; Hannah and Chance Stokely; Autumn Barnes; Judson and Kasen Ward; special aunt and friend Ruth Morrow-Maloy; brother-in-spirit Toby (Penney) Ward; and his beautiful church family. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and friend Doris Metcalf and his brother-in-law John Metcalf. Celebration of Life service will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, May 14, 2016 in Manes Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm, Saturday, May 14, 2016, at Manes Funeral Home, prior to the Celebration of Life service. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to Gideon's, P. O. Box 1217, Newport, TN 37822, for Bibles to be placed in Joel's memory. Family and friends may sign the guest register on line at: www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Manes Funeral Home.

Joel Fred Bell

July 7, 1960 - May 5, 2016