Ricky Bell was born December 19, 1980 in Terre Haute, IN, to Douglas Lees “Shorty” Bell Sr. and Donna Kay Handlin Bell. He went home to be with the Lord Saturday January 4th, 2014 at age 33. He was raised at Fontanet in his mothers place. In 2004 he moved with his family to Terre Haute, but always called Fontanet his home. Growing up he attended AYF Camp Miniwanca in Michigan. He was also in 4-H, swam unified Special Olympics with his brother, and was in Boy Scouts. Ricky was a member of Boy Scout Troop 24, and under the leadership of Dave Bedford he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended National Boy Scout Jamboree in 1997. He most recently volunteered with the scout troop at Ryves Hall. He attended Rio Grande Elementary School, Otter Creek Junior High, and North Vigo High School. At North he was on the track and field team and the band. In 1998, he transferred to Northview High School in Brazil. He became a proud member of the Northview Marching Knights. He marched to two straight State Championships in 1998 and 1999. He was also in the Concert and Jazz Bands. While at Northview he was on the track and field team and wrestling team. He represented Brazil American Legion Post #2 at Hoosier Boy State. After graduation in 2000 he performed with Brazil Community Band. As a boy he attended Higher Ground Christian Center. He was baptized with his Father at Bethlehem Temple Church of the Apostle Faith. Due to health and mobility issues the last few years he has enjoyed watching services on T.V. He was employed at Krogers, Terre Haute Med Lab, Alorica, Normal Life, and had been a manager at Penn Station. Ricky attended Ivy Tech in Terre Haute from which he held two associate degrees. He was a certified phlebotomist. He also completed EMT training. At the time of his passing he was enrolled at Indiana State University. He was stated to graduate in May 2014 with degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education. No matter how hard things got for him or how bad his health was, he fought to go forward fighting for his dream. This past year he had walked or taken the buss everywhere but his vision kept him going. Of all his accomplishments his greatest ones were his daughter Shakayla Chyanne Ball and Taneisha Renee McClelland. When he spoke of them his eyes twinkled and his face glowed with pride. They were his heart and reason for living. He looked forward to the Girl Scout Father and Daughter Dances. He attended all of their sports events and school activities that he could and was their biggest supporter. His heart was as big as he was. He knew no stranger. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. If you needed anything, all you had to do was ask. Ricky leaves to cherish his memories, his precious daughters; Shakayla Bell and Taneisha McClelland of Brazil, mother; Donna Bell, and three brothers; Eric Earl Handlin, Douglas Lee Bell Jr., Lee “Peanut” Bell Jr., whom he talked to nearly daily, adopted nephew; Travis Dean Mahwin, Sister-in-law; April Bell of Conn., special friend who was like a sister; Angela Morris, the mother of his daughters; Teresa McClelland of Brazil, cousin; Jennifer Joan Handlin of Arizona, Aunt; Mattie Lynch Fazewell of Virginia, Uncles; Rev. Micheal L. Bell Sr. of North Carolina, Printess James Bell of California, Great Aunts; Emma Jean Hofmann and Mary Lou Koch of Brazil, Laven Handlin of Terre Haute, and cousins too numerous to list across the country from Alaska to Florida. Also surviving is his special childhood friend David Cohee and his family. He was received into Heaven by his Father; Douglas Lee “Shorty” Bell Jr., his Grandparents; Earl “Sally” Handlin and Kathryn “Kay” Handlin of Fontanet, and Printess James Bell and Cleo Fredric Bell of Fazewell, Virginia, and Uncle Don Earl Handlin. Celebration of life will be Saturday January 18, 2014 at Brazil United Pentecostal Church at 1088 E. National Ave. Brazil, IN from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Greiner Funeral Home, 2005 North 13th Street, Terre Haute, was entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.greinerfuneralhome.com.
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Ricky Bell
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