James Wilson Bell Jr.

MEBANE - Mr. James "Jimmie" Wilson Bell Jr., 77, went to Heaven on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, after a brief illness. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Jimmie's love for his community was reflected in his work as a volunteer and employee of the Alamance County Rescue. He was a former recreational football coach, Boy Scout Leader and mentor to many young boys in Mebane. This gave him great pleasure and satisfaction in seeing them grow up with important life values. He always had a smile on his face for the many customers he served over the years as co-owner/partner of Bur-Gra Meat and Packing in Burlington. Born in Wilmington, N.C., he was the son of the late James Wilson Bell Sr. and Mae Elizabeth Burch Bell. He attended Mars Hill College and Elon University, where he was a former football player. He proudly served in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne. While in the military, he was recognized as "Outstanding Trainee" of his unit for his exemplary accomplishments and strong leadership skills. He was a member of the Mebane United Methodist Church.Surviving are his wife, Carolyn Gibson Bell, of the home; sons, Greg Bell and wife Suzan of Burlington, Jeff Bell of Graham and Mike Bell of Costa Rica; grandchildren, Holden, Brittany, Aaron and Alex Bell; sister, Harriette Bell Holt of Chapel Hill; brother, Dick Bell of Mebane; and many nieces and nephews, all who loved and adored him. The family will receive friends at the McClure Funeral Home, 1308 S. Third Street, Mebane, on Friday, April 18, 2014, from 6 until 8 p.m. and at other times at the family home, 1005 Gibson Road, Mebane. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 2014, at the Mebane United Methodist Church, 200 South Fourth Street. The Rev. Johnnie Lee Wright II and the Rev. Brenda Davis will officiate. Burial to follow in the Oakwood Cemetery with Military Honors.The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made directly to the church's General Fund.Online condolences may be sent to the family www.mcclurefuneralservice.net -