William Franklin Bell Sr., 72, of Madison passed into the arms of the Lord on May 16, 2009 after a prolonged illness.
William “Bill” Bell was born May 4, 1937 in Rockdale County to Mr. and Mrs. Newton N. Bell.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maggie L. Bell; two sons, William Jr. and Rita Bell of Lilburn and Lewis and Martha Bell of Denver, Colorado, and one granddaughter, Amelia; three sisters, Frances Hay of Buford, Janis Tow of Cartersville and Pat Ingram of Cumming.

He owned successful barber shops for 43 years in Decatur and Conyers. He accepted Jesus as his Savior in 1957 and over the years served as Sunday school teacher and superintendent, as well as church deacon.

Funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday at New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Pritchett officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.

A. E. Carter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the May 21, 2009 edition.