Walter Larry Bell

Walter Larry Bell, born November 27, 1941, entered his eternal heavenly home on June 29, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love for his family, friends and faith in God. Larry was born and lived the majority of his life in Water Valley, MS. He followed his father, older brother, and a passionate love for trains into a career at Illinois Central Railroad and Amtrak, where he worked and retired as a conductor.

A lifelong member of First Christian Church in Water Valley, Larry’s personal commitment to the Lord was a strong guiding force throughout his life.

An avid tinkerer and inventor, Larry loved to spend his time working on all types of machinery. He had special affinity for his beloved backhoe, multiple tractors and a multitude of vehicles, including some vintage models. Larry enjoyed making and sharing his homemade pecan brittle. He was also an accomplished squirrel hunter.

Above all, Larry was a loving family man. He was a devoted father, a proud grandfather, and a cherished great-grandfather. His family was the center of his life, and he found great joy in the generations he helped guide, support, and love. He will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and the care he showed to those closest to him.

Larry's memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, who will continue to honor the love and values he shared throughout his life.

Larry is survived by wife Rachel Kamke Bell, son Timothy Craig Bell (Marty), stepdaughter Mary Ann Griffin (Piet Goosen), stepsons Joe Wayne Walker, Jr., (Jacqueline), Forrest Bryan (Sasha), and Marc Bryan (Ronda), sister Carol Louise Bell Brown (Breck), grandchildren Miriam (Moe) Black (Brandon), Madison Tolbert (Will), Timothy Craig Bell, Jr. (Nicole), Anna Maria Greene (Jeremy), Addison Walker, Tristan Bryan, Samuel Bryan, Charles Bryan, Ally Bryan, Julia Bryan, Jacob Walker, and Samuel Walker, great grandchildren Aspen Reed, Harding Black, Madelyn Tolbert, and Sadie Bell, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents James Donnell Bell, Sr. and Aileen McCulley Bell, son Jeffrey Duane Bell, and stepson Woody Walker (Regina), sister Lily Loyce Bell Horan (Ben), brother James Donnell (Ding Dong) Bell, Jr. (Hazel) and niece Kim Horan Bruner.

Visitation will take place on July 3, 2026 at Seven Oaks Funeral Home, 12760 Hwy 32, Water Valley, MS from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mid-South Christian College, First Christian Church of Water Valley, or any charity of choice.

Service may be viewed HERE