David Lee Bell, 74, of Lugoff, was called home on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, after suffering from pancreatic cancer that spread to numerous other organs. Born in Williamsport, Indiana, on December 26, 1948, he was a son of the late William Bell and Leone Harrison Bell. David devoted his life to God and his family to the very end.

David graduated from Gordon H. Garrett High School in North Charleston, where he excelled with the varsity football team for four years winning many honors. Due to his love for God and country, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and five days after graduation found himself in boot camp at Parris Island. After completion, he won top Marine out of his platoon of 92. He proudly served from 1968 until being honorably discharged in 1971.

David started his law enforcement career in Holly Hill, SC, in March 1972. In September, he was sworn in as a deputy at Richland County Sheriff's Department. David retired from RCSD after 38 plus years of dedicated, faithful service to the department and the citizens of Richland County. After retirement, David briefly served as Municipal Court Judge in Elgin, SC, before his health issues forced him to step down from the bench.

During his career at Richland County Sheriff's Department, David served as a uniform deputy, Field Training Officer, road Corporal, road Sergeant, road Lieutenant, member of the Saturation Team, Investigator of major crimes, including Arson, Sex Crimes, and Cold Case Homicides, which he investigated during his last 10 years. He was a skilled sniper and hostage negotiator with the SWAT Team for over 20 years, saving several lives.

David was a devout Christian and servant of God who shared his testimony through singing and playing guitar. He was a poet and songwriter for BMI Records in Nashville, TN. David had many titles in his life but his proudest by far was being a "Grandpa" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing in his backyard pond.

Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Sally Sharon Bell; children, Sarah Cole (Gary Wolfe), Mary Morlan, Marica "Missy" Crumpton (Logan), Lisa Townsley (John), Karen Costello (Terry), Harrell Morlan, John Morlan (Cheryl), and Laura Long (Patrick); 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by son, Eric Morlan; siblings, Brenda, Glenda, and Richard.

The funeral service for Mr. Bell will be held at 1 o'clock on Friday, November 24th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. Burial to follow at Memorial Gardens of Columbia, 9301 Wilson Blvd, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 11:30 o'clock at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Richland County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit, 5623 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223.

A livestream of the service will be available under "Current Webcast" at ShivesFuneralHome.com. https://www.shivesfuneralhome.com/current-webcast/