Bruce L. Bell, born June 13, 1954 in Crisfield, MD, departed this life on March 23, 2018 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, from complications of cancer. Bruce, 63, was the son of Mr. Herdie Bell of Philadelphia, PA, and the late Emily Taylor, who raised him with his loving stepfather, the late Cornelius (June) Taylor.
Educated in the Maryland school system, Bruce graduated from Crisfield High School in 1972. He loved learning and went on to graduate from Morgan State University in 1976, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. He was offered a fellowship at the University of Akron, in Akron, Ohio. He graduated in 1978 with a Master of Arts degree in Sociology. Bruce liked the area there so much that he remained there for 41 years, until his illness in 2017.
A long-time employee of 27-plus years of the University of Akron, everyone loved Bruce. He earned the respect of his supervisors and a reputation among his co-workers and University staff as a hard worker. Many lifetime friendships were forged as a result of his time there. While living in Akron, Bruce joined the Arlington Church of God. He was a faithful servant who labored there tirelessly and truly loved the Lord. Singing on the men’s choir was one of the highlights of his life.
A loving family member, other than God, there was nothing Bruce loved more than spending time with his family. Throughout the 63 years of his life, Bruce never missed spending Christmas with his family. In fact, he even spent his vacations in Crisfield, or at the beach, or wherever his family gathered to enjoy one another. He was a man who was proud of his family, to whom he gave his love freely – a love they returned to him many times over. Bruce also absolutely loved to sing and dance, mimicking his favorite group, The Temptations. Lastly, Bruce was also an avid sports fan whose favorite basketball team was the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Reflecting on a life richly lived, Bruce leaves to cherish his memory: Four brothers, Larry Bell (Bonnie) of Manassas, VA; Michael Taylor (Jestine) of Atlanta, GA; and Kevin Taylor of Crisfield; Garrick Johnson of Philadelphia, PA. Two sisters, Ramona Evans (Wendell) and Darlene Taylor of Crisfield. One uncle, Phillip Ellington (Dorothy) of Temple Hills, MD and one aunt, Frances Shelton of Princess Anne, MD. Bruce also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends, of whom one of his very best was Samuel Ward of Crisfield. Bruce also leaves to cherish his memory a long-time companion from Akron, OH, Ms. Yolanda Jones.
A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Shiloh United Methodist Church in Crisfield, with a viewing one hour prior.
Interment will be at Hopewell Cemetery in Crisfield.
3 Responses
Bruce is sadly missed by his Karaoke Family, in Akron, Ohio we enjoyed hearing him sing every Sunday night , and he was the highlight of a talent show I put on a few years ago.Rest In Heaven Bruce.
To the Bell Family:
I am so saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. I always enjoyed seeing him when we had an event at UA. He was such a hard worker and most importantly a very nice man. RIP Bruce and may the special memories your family and friends have get them through all the difficult days/years ahead.
Bruce was a hard worker and a good friend. In the seven years I had the privilege of working with him I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. That’s just the way he was. He always had a smile and so much enthusiasm for life. Bruce was a fixture at the University of Akron. I am happy to have shared time with the man and my heart aches for his family and friends. I remember when I was in the hospital after a major operation and Bruce got all dressed up to come see me. He was the only coworker who did, others called or emailed, but he took time out of his life to visit. I never forgot. I recently moved back to Alron and was happy about the prospect of seeing Bruce again, and teasing him a little( I used to tell him he was smooth like a young Billie Dee Williams). When I heard he was ill it was like a gutpunch. I texted him a few times but I didn’t hear back. Today a fellow co-worker of ours saw me at the store snd relayed the news of his passing. His family should know Bruce was well liked and respected by his co- workers and even loved by most of us. He touched so many young people’s lives in his 30+ years at UA. Godspeed my friend. I hope I see you on the other side. That would mean I went to the good place.