William Eugene Bell, Jr., 68, of Canyon Lake, Texas,  passed away on Monday,  March 19,  2012 at the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House in Warren,  Pennsylvania, following an extended illness.

William (Bill) was born on May 27, 1943, in Meadville, PA, the son of the late William and Elva Phillips Bell. He was a 1961 graduate of Cambridge Springs High School and served in the US Army from 1961-1963.  Following his military service, Bill enjoyed a long and successful career in aviation maintenance and management, which included lengthy periods of employment with Delta Airlines and UPS Air.

Over the years, his career provided him with the opportunity to live and make lifelong friends in places around the globe, including Ireland, Holland, and Saudi Arabia.  Eventually, Bill settled in Texas, where he defiantly displayed his Pittsburgh Steelers pride, much to the dismay of his many Cowboys-loving friends.

Upon retirement, Bill spent many pleasant summers at his camp along the Allegheny River near Tidioute, PA, where he enjoyed spending time with his beloved dogs and extended family members.  His great-niece and nephews adored their Uncle Bill, jumping up and down with uncontainable excitement whenever his yellow Jeep appeared in the driveway.  Bill was a member of the American Legion, Youngsville, PA.

He is survived by his son, Brock Bell of Atlanta, GA; his sister, Sandy Crook, and brother-in-law Ralph of Cambridge Springs, PA;   three nieces; a great niece; and four great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial luncheon reception on Sunday, April 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Smith's Country Gardens, 14289 Highway 198, Guys Mills,  PA.   Please RSVP to 814-398-2264 if you plan to attend.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to either the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House ℅ Hospice of Warren County,  2 Crescent Park West,  PO Box 68,  Warren,  PA 16365 or to the Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Society; 2170 Old Sattler Road; Canyon Lake, Texas 78133.