Edward "Ray" Bell, 83, passed peacefully in his sleep at his home the morning of September 11, 2023 after a brief illness. During his career in Human Resources, he was a mediator and negotiated labor contracts nationwide. Ray retired from Trane Air Conditioning Unitary Division as their Vice-President Human Resources.
He was very active in the YMCA, United Way and other community organizations in Clarksville, TN, as well as St Louis, and Tyler, TX. His business development began as a young teen when he became a statewide leader with the FFA; this provided the opportunity for public speaking and to develop his leadership skills.
Ray was born in Salvisa, Mercer County, KY and raised on a large farm near Harrodsburg, KY, where he learned to work hard, a work ethic that lasted his lifetime.
In Harrodsburg, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Black. He is survived by Donna and their 3 Children, Rhonda Batson and Sharon Burkhart, Clarksville, TN and Ross Bell (wife Christine) of Lakeland, MN. He was proud of and loved all his grandchildren, Chase Cox (wife Cala) of Roanoke, VA, Joseph Batson and Meredith Burkhart of Clarksville and Nashville. TN and John Henry Bell, our Baby Bell {10 months} in Lakeland, MN. Ray has 2 precious great granddaughters, Marley and Marjorie Cox.
Also, surviving Ray is his devoted wife, Audrey Stanek and her children, Richard Clark (wife Paula) of Hermitage, TN and Kim Stevason {Rick) Madison, IN and grandsons, Will and Jack Clark, Brentwood, TN. and four Kentucky nephews, Jerry, Guy, Tommy, and Emmet and niece Lisa Crum of Huntington, WV.
Ray was the son of late Thomas Raymond Bell and Nannie Margaret Nichols. Ray had 4 brothers and one sister in the greater Harrodsburg area who predeceased him. They are Walter Carl, Davis Marshall, Wallace Aubrey, Mary Frances Moffett, and Kenneth Bell. Ray was the last living family member of his generation.
A Celebration of Life service will be October 28, 2023 from 2 – 4 at Cloyd's Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 595 W. Division St, Mt Juliet, TN 37122.
Ray researched and has documentation of his ancestors from Glouchestershire, England in 1585.
Cloyd's Cumberland Presbyterian Church:
West Bradenton Baptist Church, Building Fund: 1305 43rd St W, Bradenton, FL 34209.
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