Ronald "Ron" William Bell, 83 of Clay, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville. Ronald known as Ron to his friends and family, was born on September 2, 1942 on Fishtrap Rd in Clay.  His parents William H. and Rosha Frederick Bell, both from Clay, eventually moved their family to Melbourne, FL where they continued to reside until they passed away.  Ron attended Melbourne High School, graduating in 1961.  He soon after joined the U.S. Army and served in France and Germany during the Cold War period.

Returning home from service Ron found employment with Pan American Airways, who had contracts with NASA, and worked on several different missile tracking stations around the world.  This employment gave Ron the opportunity to travel around the globe, visiting most of the free world countries with his daughter.

In 1986 Ron met and married his wife of 36 years Glenna Sue Bell.  They spent most of his years in Palm Bay, FL, where Ron raised his daughter from a previous marriage and enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren.  After Ron's retirement, desiring to return to a quieter lifestyle, Ron and sue moved back to Clay where Ron had so many memories as a boy visiting with his maternal grandparents G.W. and Madaline Frederick on their farm in the Wagner Hills outside of Clay.  In Clay Ron enjoyed working in his garden and visits with family and friends.

Ron is survived by his loving and devoted wife Sue; daughter Michelle Renee Bell-Oishi of Vero Beach, FL; granddaughters Lauren Ashton Jubeck (Eric), Jessica Oishi, Rebecca Oishi; great-grandchildren Arianna Jubeck, Bryson Jubeck, Ethan Jubeck, Benjamin Jubeck, Ashton Jubeck; sister Marilyn Crockett of Clermont, FL; brother Donald Bell of Charlotte, NC; step-daughter Dawn Gafa of Warren, MI; step-son Kenneth Gafa (Judith)of Grosse Ponte Woods, MI;4 step-grandchildren Vincent Davis, Madison Mitchell (Quinton), Owen Gafa and Shane Gafa; many nieces and cousins too numerous to mention.

Celebration of Life will be Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Vanover Funeral Home in Clay with Brother Russell Bell officiating.  Visitation will be 9:00 AM till service time at the funeral home.