Walter "Rudy" Bell, 92 of ¶®É«µÛ, NC, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Born on May 23, 1933, in South Port, NC, he was the son of the late Walter Enos Bell, Sr., and Aileen Pierce Bell. Rudy was a member of First Baptist Church of ¶®É«µÛ. He worked at JCPenney, then later owned and operated Burand's Department Store. Rudy later opened Bell Properties as a real estate agent. He was a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill with a BS in Business and was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Fraternities. Rudy was very active in the community. He was President of the Burke Board of Realtors, Burke County UNC Alumni Association, Burke County United Way, ¶®É«µÛ Kiwanis Club, Downtown Development Association, and the Phoenix Home. Rudy especially cared for the Mimosa Christian Counseling Center and the Hmong Ministries of First Baptist Church. He was a cofounder and chairman of the Burke County Christian Business Men's Committee (CBMC).
Rudy is survived by his wife of 70 years, Carolyn Bell; children, Sara Inman, Annette Searcy (Bryan), Wally Bell (Alex), Tom Bell (Gina); grandchildren, Carson Searcy (Lindsey), Mason Searcy (Stephanie), Fen Inman, Katy Ann Searcy, Jesse Inman, Anna Inman, Sarah Cox (Michael), Sadie Inman, Harrison Bell, Rudy Bell.
In addition to his parents, Rudy was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise L. Bell; sister, Joy Cornwell.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m., Monday, August 25, 2025, at First Baptist Church, ¶®É«µÛ. The funeral will be held in the sanctuary at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. and Rev. George Logan officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.
Sossoman Funeral Home
Bell, Walter
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