JEROME BELL SR.
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Jerome Bell Sr. Made his transition from earth to glory at community hospice in Vidalia, Georgia. Born in Surrency, Georgia, on may 2, 1956, Jerome was the son of the late Mr. Monroe Bell and Mrs. Minnie Lee King.
Jerome attended Appling county high school and began his working years with the Georgia department of transportation. He later joined Rayonier Forest Products—now known as Interfor—where he dedicated more than 30 years of hard work, loyalty, and commitment.
From an early age, Jerome developed a deep love for good music. Bob Marley, the gap band, and Rick James were among the artists who shaped the soundtrack of his life. (side note: we’re pretty sure Rick James held the top spot in his heart—thanks to one song in particular. Lol.)
He enjoyed the simple pleasures: fishing, keeping his yard immaculate, and spending time with friends. Many Saturday mornings were spent outside with music playing, friends gathered around, laughter in the air, and stories flowing as easily as the breeze.
Jerome was a colorful soul, full of personality and never afraid to speak his mind. He could add spice, humor, or sarcasm to any situation. He didn’t always get along with everyone, but he was unapologetically himself—take it or leave it. With Jerome, you always knew exactly where you stood.
In 1976, he married his high school sweetheart, Beatrice Bell. (Now, the math might not be mathing since someone is 52… but we’ll let that slide. Ha!) Together, they raised three children: Tonia Byrd (Tom), Jerome Bell Jr., and Steven A. Bell. They could have stopped with Tonia, but they decided to add some boys to the mix—just to keep their big sister on her toes. Later in life, Jerome welcomed Sharkania, Ryan, and Amber Hope Reddish into the fold.
Jerome leaves to cherish his memory his first two grandchildren—the ones who got to call him “Granddaddy” first, Andrea Wilkerson (Elijah) and Tyson Branch (Taliyah). He also shared a special bond with the grandchildren who lived next door and spent their summers with him and Beatrice: Jariah, Steven Jr., Makinlee, Kane, Ja’Miya, and Kamden Bell. He is also survived by a host of other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, his brother Nathaniel Bell (Tamara), Auntie Geraldine Jones, and his sister Betty Vann (James), along with sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many friends and acquaintances.
He was preceded in death by his siblings Wyoma, Frank, Mary, Geneva and Beatrice.
Special friends include Ken Hayes, Rickey George, Reco Boggs (Nephew), and Rick Beazely. The family also extends a heartfelt thank you to the ladies at Parker’s in Surrency, who treated Jerome with kindness, patience, and genuine affection. They lovingly called him “Granddaddy,” and for that, we are sincerely grateful.
Jerome touched many lives—family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. His presence, his humor (or sarcasm), his music, and his unforgettable personality will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
Services were held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 11: 00 a.m. at Surrency Grove Baptist Church.
Interment was held at Surrency Grove Community Cemetery 410 Burkett Street Surrency, Ga 31563
Active Pallbearers were Jordan Roberts, Duncan Kimbrell, Lemay Barfield, Stacy Thomas, John Thomas Jr., and Tyson Branch.
