Alvin A. Bell
My dad, also known as Judge Bell, Major Bell, or simply Al, passed yesterday morning with his family at his side. I can not put it into words, but the loss is not only for our family, but our community and our Nation, and it will be very hard for everyone.
My dad was a Warrior. He served and battled for everyone but most imporantly, he served God. He dedicated his life to making our lives safer and stood for justice and the laws of our country. He was a warrior who defended the country while serving in the Air Force. He was a warrior who served and protected the streets of Washington DC for over 21 years as a police officer who trained other officers. When he left DC he took on the training for Glock Inc. to help train Law Enforcement trainers all over the country. Countinuing on as a warrior who trained new officers and deputies from over 35 department and state agenencies at the CSRA Law Enforcement Traning Center. On Jan. 1, 2000, he was called on to serve again as a Magistrate Judge for Burke County Ga which he proudly did so untill his altimate calling on Aug 12, 2008. He was called home to serve along side with the Lord just after spending his last morning with his family.
As I look back and think about my dad tonight, Im proud to say that he was my dad. And Im not talking about the personal daddy stuff. I mean its like saying my dad is Hank Aron or Babe Ruth. I always thought of him as a Superman. And the cancer that took him was his kriptonite. It was hardest on me to see him in pain and not be able to do things like he used to. We loved hunting, and even in his last days, we talked about hunting seasons and deer. We tried like the dickens to get my daughter a deer with him last year. Even had a chance at a broadside standing doe and when she droped the hammer on that deer, the safty was on. Which leads us another one of my dads last orders he gave out to my kids, “When you get ready shoot, Take the safty off!”
And his last words seem fitting to all who know him.
“Tell everybody I said hey”
“Keep the faith”
“Be safe out there”
Al Bell’s last words, Aug 12, 2008
If you knew my dad, Judge Bell or what ever please sign his guest book online. I and the rest of our family are truly greatfull to everyone for their support. We love you all and pray for you safety and well being.
http://www.legacy.com/augustachronicle/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=115536727
Al Bell will always be one of the most influential people in my life. I will truly miss him. In 1997 I met him at the East Georgia Regional Police Academy where he began to call me “Bullfrog”. His family is blessed to have had this wise, strong, and dedicated man in their lives. And I was also blessed to call him my friend. He shared his knowlegde and experience of the law freely. I called him often and he never let me down. I never hunted or fished with “Judge Bell”, but I know I would have enjoyed it. Edward “Bull” James
August 14th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I met Alvin Bell in the East Georgia Regional Police Academy in 1998. He was the only one that could smile at you and teach you how to be a cop at the same time. He was my Major, then my friend. By the grace of God I became close to his family and him through them. I rode next to one of his son’s on rode patrol and became best friend’s with his wife. Judge Bell then became “Dad”. It was an honor to be able to have met him, much less love him for the many roles he played in my life. I have not ever met a more stoic, funny and wonderful mentor/man. He conquered the unthinkable with grace and humor. He will forever be imprinted into my heart. I thank the family for sharing such a gift of a person with so many including myself. Until we see him again, Heather Olson
August 15th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
To a man myself and jamie knew as another Dad,
He is Gone
You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your
back,
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes,
love and go on.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:11 pm