Douglas Wayne Bell

Douglas Wayne Bell passed away on March 27, 2024, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.  A lifelong resident of DeFuniak Springs, Wayne was born on September 24, 1947, to parents Hubert and Geraldine Bell.  He graduated from Walton High School, served in the National Guard for almost 7 years, and was a longtime member of Glendale Presbyterian Church.  

 

Wayne was a devoted husband, an incredible father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was intentional to raise his children to be successful and loving individuals.  He never missed an opportunity to get his family together for good times where he was the ultimate grill master.  A couple of his famous and funny sayings included “Don’t telotype me” and “Call me on my mo-bile phone” - remembering the things Wayne loved and the funny things he said will bring comfort and smiles to his loved ones for many years to come.

 

Wayne was a talented heavy equipment mechanic and getting greasy and working on his many tractor projects made him very happy.  Along with making equipment run smoothly, he had a knack for making vegetables grow strongly, and he thoroughly enjoyed time spent tending to his garden.  When he had to be inside, Wayne spent his time watching western movies, RFD TV, and Fox News. The Great Smokey Mountains was a love of his also.  

 

Wayne never spoke ill of anyone, he was never one to judge, and he had a way of making everyone around him feel special.  His endless and encouraging smile was a gift he shared with all people in his life.  

 

He is survived by his loving wife Linda Sue Bell, sons Doug Bell, David Bell, and Daniel Smith (Michelle), daughter Michele Ritzman, and a bonus daughter, Barbie Bell.  A beautiful legacy is left behind in his grandchildren Ashleigh (Scott), Trevor (Kaitlyn), Faith Bell, Codey (Kara), Kobey (Brooke), Erica (Celby), Brella, Brooklyn, Brittany (Jesse), Brandi, Kyra , Meghan, Logan, Anthony, Drake, and Chloe, and great-grandchildren Tynleigh, Kiptyn, Lane, Corbin, Cora, and Jamison.

He is predeceased by his father, Hubert, his mother, Geraldine, and his brother, Larry Bell.  

 

Wayne was passionate about his love for donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and his family would be thrilled if you made a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Wayne’s memory.  

Visitation is being held on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 1PM at McDonald Family Funeral Home.  Funeral service will begin at 2PM with graveside following at Glendale Presbyterian Church Cemetery.  To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Douglas Wayne Bell, please visit our flower store.