William (Bill) Bruce Bell, Sr. transitioned from earth to glory on Saturday, June 1, 2019 after an extended illness.

He was born in Vineland, NJ on June 10, 1941, to the late William Henry Bell and Yvonne Jacqueline (Smith) Bell. He was pre-deceased by his sister's Mary (Dolly) Bell, Beverly (Bell) Archie and his brother Jerald Bell.  He was educated in the Vineland Public School system and was a lifelong resident.  Bill then enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country.  He also served 25 years in the United States Army National Guard.   He was a member of the NJ American Legion Post #4 in which he was the past Commander.  He also served as a trustee for the United Veterans Council of Vineland.

Bill was employed by the City of Vineland as a Heavy Equipment Operator where he later promoted to Supervisor for 35 years.  He had immense gratification during the 20 years he drove the Vineland Trolley.  He made countless friendships and became a pillar of the community as people recognized him as "Mr. Vineland".

Bill was a dedicated and faithful member of New Bethel AME church of Vineland.  He was a Senior Usher, a member of the Lay Organization and the Missionary Society.

Bill was a member of Sanford Lodge #26, Deborah Chapter #51, OES, PHS.  He was an active member of the community.  In the early 70's he began coaching numerous youth organizations including Vineland Midget Football League, Vineland Little League, Vineland Mini Wrestling, Pigtail and Ponytail Softball leagues.  He was a member of the Cumberland County Recreation Commission.  In 2011, Bill was elected to the Vineland High School Hall of Fame.  Additionally, he became an official for High School basketball, baseball, softball and Track and Field.

Bill was an avid sports fan and his favorite teams were the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Dodgers.  He loved trains and would often ride the rails.  He had an affinity for Classic Disney movies, Mythology, Geography and Westerns.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years Sheila Anne (DeVan) Bell.  Bill and Sheila met while serving together in the US Army.  They met in Knoxville, Kentucky (Fort Knox).  From this union they had three children, William Bruce Bell, Jr. of California, Lori Michelle Bell (Sandra) of Piscataway, NJ and Dawn Marie Bell of Vineland, NJ. One grandson William Bruce Bell, III and one great granddaughter Jhayla of Greenville, NC.  One sister Vivian (Bell) Brown of Northfield, NJ, one uncle Jesus (Shango) Gomez, 2 God Children, Yvonne (Beatle) Bell of Vineland, NJ and Albert Brown, Jr. of Northfield, NJ, 4 cousins Claudia Smith, Jeff Johnson, Doug and George Price all of Vineland and a multitude of nieces and nephews.