Mr. Roy Franklin Bell transitioned peacefully on Tuesday evening, August 10, 2021 in Reidsville, North Carolina.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. at Elm Grove Baptist Church, Business 29N, Reidsville, NC, with viewing one hour prior to the service beginning at 11:30 a.m.  Public viewing will also be held on Friday, August 13, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at McLaurin Memorial Chapel.

Mr. Roy Franklin Bell, a beloved example of faith, family and community in action, was born in Reidsville, NC on May 3, 1932, to the late John Albert and Mary Jane Scales Bell. Roy was the 10th of 12 children from that union. Growing up with a close and large family, Roy learned valuable lessons in hard work, entrepreneurship, and dedication.  He was soft-spoken, humble, and full of wisdom.

Roy graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1952, was enrolled at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University before enlisting in the US Army and proudly earned his Business Administration degree at Jefferson College in 1974, while working his full-time job at Lorillard Tobacco Company.

Roy was an unpretentious man and a pillar in the Reidsville community.  His love, care and compassion for people was visible in his daily walk.  Roy's commitment was evident in the numerous awards, appointments, and recognitions for his humanitarian service.  These include:

• 1964 President of the first Youth Chapter of the Reidsville NAACP
• 1st Black President of the Reidsville and Rockingham County Foster Parents Association
• Rockingham County Future Development Task Force for Water and Sewer
• 1996 "Unsung Hero" by the Reidsville Review (community service)
• 2000 "Umpire of the Year" - Rockingham County Umpires Association
• 2012 Reidsville NAACP Humanitarian Award
• 2012 "Man of the Year" - Elm Grove Baptist Church
• Board of Directors for the Senior and Law Enforcement Together (S.A.L.T.)
• Board of Directors for the Center for Active Retirement (C.A.R.)
• Founder and President of the Williamsburg Community Watch Care
• Lillian H. McLaurin Good Neighbor Association Advisory Board
• Rockingham County Planning Board (11 years)
• Member of the Annie Penn Hospital Auxiliary Board
• Faithful Volunteer at the Annie Penn Hospital (1 7 years)
• Lifetime Member of the Reidsville NAACP

Roy was also an advocate for change.  In 1963, Roy filed the first discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against Lorillard Tobacco Company - highlighting the inequities of its leadership.  His dedication and commitment resulted in the first integration of the management ranks of Lorillard Tobacco Company.  After 36+ years of service, leading as a Supervisor, Roy retired from Lorillard Tobacco in May, 1994, blazing the trail of equity for underrepresented employees.  Roy was an active participant in the 1960's Civil Rights Movement – advocating for desegregation in Reidsville and Rockingham County.  In addition, Roy was an active participant in the peaceful protest where African American students led a sit-in at a segregated F. W. Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Roy was a United States Army veteran, honorably serving his country between 1954-1956.  Roy married the love of his life, the former Marjorie Ann Stokes in 1959.  Unfortunately, Marjorie passed away in 1984.  From their union, they raised three children:  Eric Lamont Bell, Janice LaRose Bell, and Danny Lamar Bell.  Later in life, Roy found love again and married the former Amanda Joann Dark in 1990. Their marriage of 30+ years continued to thrive until his departure of this life.

Roy was a faithful member of the Elm Grove Baptist Church.  He was the church's Financial Secretary and Member of the Board of Trustees, serving for over 45+ years.  He also taught Sunday School and mentored untold young boys and men through his wisdom and life lessons.

Roy was a creative genius, woodwork enthusiast and "gadgeteer".  He used his God-given talents to build a variety of structures.  He was also the owner of Bell Financial and Tax Services, many times known to provide his services for free to those less fortunate.

Roy is survived by his wife, Amanda Joann Dark Bell; his four children:  Eric Bell (Becky), of Wake Forest, NC, Janice Bell-Anderson (Allen) of Charlotte, NC,  Danny Bell, of Charlotte, NC, and Jermain Faison (Andre), of Conyers, GA; his six grandchildren:  Allen Brandon Anderson, Jalen Royal Anderson, Dominque Primus (John), Evan Tyler Bell, McKailia Faison and Jaiden Faison; his four great-grandchildren:  Aiden Primus, Liam Primus, Kayleigh Primus and Bailee Anderson; his brothers:  Dr. A. P. Bell, Dr. Jacey Bell (Gwen), and William Bell (Omega); his sisters:  Mary Sue Graves and Richetta Wood; and a hosts of nephews, nieces, cousins and life-long friends

Ashton and Yolanda McLaurin and the staff of the McLaurin Funeral Home are serving the family. Covid-19 precautions will be followed with social distancing, masks and sanitizing required.

At the designated date and time, you may connect to the Virtual services via teleconference call by dialing (701) 802-5263 and then access code 6545855# or FaceBook livestreaming via McLaurin Funeral Home's FB page.  To join via YouTube, click here