Edwin D. Bell ’66 died on September 4, 2024, in Huntersville, North Carolina.

(The following was provided by James Funeral Home in September 6, 2024:)

Edwin D. Bell ’66

Dr. Edwin Bell, BA, MA, EdD, passed away on September 4, 2024. He was born on April 23, 1944, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, to Frank and Mary Bell. Edwin was a devoted husband to Sheila Strain-Bell, with whom he shared fifty-three loving years. He was a member of the 12th Baptist Church in Roxbury, MA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Bell; his sisters, Mary and Georgia Mae; his brother, Frank Jr.; his brother-in-law, Jon Strain; and his sister-in-law, Mary A. McCullough. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Strain-Bell, of Huntersville, NC; his brothers-in-law, Boyd Strain of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and William Robert Strain of Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. He also leaves behind his nephews, George Robert Gaines and Thomas A. Grant of Boston, Massachusetts; his nieces, Sheila M. Grant, Rene Gaines, and Robyn Gaines, also of Boston, Massachusetts; as well as many great-nephews, great-nieces, and other extended family members.

Edwin received his education at Julia Ward Howe Elementary School, Boston Latin School, Bowdoin College, Boston College, and UNC Greensboro. In 1966, he was commissioned into U.S. Army Intelligence. He dedicated over forty years to the University of North Carolina System, serving at North Carolina A&T State University, UNC Greensboro, East Carolina University, and Winston-Salem State University, where he retired as a professor emeritus. Edwin believed passionately that the shade of the Freedom Tree should extend to everyone.  He fought the good fight and will be deeply missed.