Gary Mason Bell

August 25, 1947 - May 25, 2021

Gary Mason Bell, 73, a resident of Lee County, Florida for the past 69 years, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2021, in Alva, Florida. He was born August 25, 1947, in Anderson, Indiana, to Elmo and Corrine Bell, now deceased.

Gary was a graduate of Fort Myers High School Class of 1965. He was a founding member of  several local bands. He played drums for Tom’s Travelers traveling across the United States.

Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. In March 1969 in Thailand, he was named NCO Airman of the Month. Gary received the Good Conduct Medal for his service in Vietnam.

After his military service, he worked for National Airlines, Pan Am and United Airlines for over 30 years.

Gary enjoyed traveling the world, fishing and experiencing the food and cultures of many countries. He had a true love for his Triumph Motorcycles. He was a dedicated volunteer at Orange River Elementary School and the Big Backpack Event. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Olga, spearheaded the Annual Fish Fry and played in the bell choir.

Gary is survived by the love of his life, his wife Holly of 44 years, of Alva. He was Tio and Uncle to countless families and children, as well as Thor and Ginger, the Greyhounds, and Sebastian, Midnight, and Blue, the cats. Gary also is survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Gary’s family would also like to thank Drs. Tasha Wallace, Robert Allen, Lazaro Bravo and Bert Van Beaver.

Gary was preceded in death by siblings, Ted Bell and Hugh Bell.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Saturday, June 5, 2021, at Mullins Memorial, 3654 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, Florida 33916.

Memorial Services will be held 4:00 PM Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 14531 Old Olga Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33905 with Pastor Karl Glander officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gary may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

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  1. Mimi Jun 7, 2021 at 4:47 pm

    We’ll miss you, Butch! Keep trying up that fish until the whole gang gets there.

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