Ronnie Hoyt Bell

Ron H. Bell (Ronnie), 65, an entrepreneur, adventurer and philanthropist died on February 18 at Hospice Atlanta in Atlanta, Ga. Ron fought as hard for life as any human could before losing his two and a half year battle with cancer.

Born Ronnie Hoyt Bell on April 9, 1946 in Tullahoma, TN to Hoyt and Roberta Bell, he was a great mentor, friend, husband, father and son. Growing up an only child on a farm in Springfield, Tennessee, Ron learned the meaning of hard work at an early age. His commitment to academics as well as athletics earned him a scholarship to play football at Vanderbilt University.

Ron attended Emory University for graduate studies earning his MBA in 1970. Intrigued by the stock market as a young boy, making money would become his favorite hobby. Making money for others would become his passion and profession. After working in a corporate setting, Ron eventually set out on his own with Bell Capital Management. Although retired from Bell Capital, he joyfully managed investments up until his final days.

In 1985, Ron married Patricia. Besides his wife and daughter, Kelli Bell Ritter, both of Atlanta, Mr. Bell is survived by his mother Roberta Locke Bell of Springfield, TN; son-in-law, Curtis Ritter, grandsons Rylan and Peyton Ritter of Atlanta; and many extended relatives.

Mr. Bell created the Bell Family Foundation for Hope in 1992. In addition to supporting local charities, Ron Bell served on many Boards of Directors and continued to support the organizations dear to his heart up until his death. He believed in helping athletes with college funding (Ga. Tech, Emory and Kennesaw State University), helping young girls own their own worth and learn values to succeed in life (Girl Talk, Inc.), as well as helping children and families gain access to resources and programs for growth and well-being (Cumberland Academy of Georgia, March of Dimes, Center for Children and Young Adults, etc). His legacy will live on through Bell Family Foundation as well as in the hearts of those he so graciously helped.
He received many awards and was recently inducted into Kennesaw State Universitys Hall of Fame. Ron and his wife Trisha have opened their arms and home to people, organizations and animals in need. From patron parties to pregnant kitties, the Bell home is a welcoming spot. Although not related by blood or formal adoption, Ron was a father figure to daughter Kellis friend, Angela Longmire Young, supporting and loving her after the loss of both parents.
Mr. Bell was a sport and history buff, a voracious reader who constantly sought new learning experiences. He flew planes, rode motorcycles, enjoyed scuba diving and kept an explorers itinerary when visiting any city or region. He loved to travel and preferred the warmth of tropical air.
Ron aimed to teach responsibility and mentor those willing to work hard. Tough at times, at the end of the day, he was warm and caring. Everything he did he did with great care and thought. His strength in life and death was inspiring.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at Unity North Church, 4255 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, Ga. 30066 at 3pm. A reception and celebration of Rons life will take place at the Bells home, 4371 Northside Drive, Atlanta, Ga. 30327 immediately following the service (5pm).

The family welcomes donations to any of Rons favorite charities: Girl Talk, Inc., Cumberland Academy of Georgia, Atlanta Smiles and Atlanta Lyric Theater.