John Ulysse Bell, III, 77, of Blythewood, died Thursday, December 7, 2017. Born in Lancaster, SC to the late John U. Bell, Jr. and Martha Anne Dowling Bell, he was married to Gayle Keels Bell for 54 years. Graduating from USC, he received his Juris Doctorate and practiced law with Nelson Mullins. John was a devoted family man, who chose to be involved in his children's sports. He coached Little League baseball, served as President of Polo Road Park baseball and football leagues and was President of the Booster Club of Spring Valley High School. A past member of the zoning board of Blythewood, he also volunteered with Meal on Wheels. John was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and served on various committees and was instrumental in starting the Disciple Bible Study program and Stephen Ministry program. He was a member of the Koinonia Sunday School Class and was devoted to the Salkehatchie ministry of the United Methodist Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Lysse Bell (Frank Cisa) of Mt. Pleasant; sons, Chaplain (CPT) Jeff Bell, US Army (Lisa), of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Thad Bell (Lena) of Singapore, Gene Bell (Haley) of Columbia; grandchildren, Hayes, Annalise, Benjamin, Emory Anne, Grady and Hampton; and sister, Selina Anne Perkins.

A service will be held 2 o'clock, Wednesday, December the 13th, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 90 Boney Road, Blythewood, with the Rev. Clyde Scott officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. A private family burial will be held in Norway Cemetery at a later date. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank the caregivers from Daybreak Adult Care Services and the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice who cared for John.