WILLIAM “BILL” THOMPSON BELL
1928-2017
Bill Bell beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many, passed away in Huntsville, Texas after a short illness on July 28th at the age of 89.
Bill married the love of his life, Margaret Louise Nelson, on October 12, 1949. Bill and Margaret had five children and had been married 43 years at the time of her passing. Bill was predeceased by son Gary Alan Bell, daughter Elise Gaye Bell Brasic, two brothers and three sisters. He is survived by son Vince Bell and wife Sarah, daughter Shary Bell, daughter Elaine Bell and husband Howard, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brother Robert Bell and wife Nell of Lufkin, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on April 3, 1928. He attended Nacogdoches High School, and went on to graduate from Stephen F. Austin State University with dual Bachelor of Science Degrees in chemistry and mathematics. After graduation, he joined Schlumberger Technology Company as a field engineer in South America. He returned to their Houston headquarters to manage one of their engineering groups and was then chosen to head their Mechanical Engineering department. Approaching retirement age, Bill was asked to supervise the design and building of the Schlumberger Rosharon/ Sandy Point facility.
After 34 years with Schlumberger Bill consulted for some years, training many in the industry throughout the world. He began and sold one business, and then founded W.T. Bell International, Inc. (WTBI), the on-going business engaged in the development and manufacturing of specialty explosive products for the international petroleum industry. Bill continued to work improving and developing new products for the company until two weeks before his death. In seven decades Bill generated a total of 52 United States patents. Many of the tools developed from those patents are still in use today in the oil field.
Bill was kind and generous, both with his time and knowledge. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to someone who was in need. He was a devoted father and friend who loved the Lord, and will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. We know that he is in Heaven, and is working diligently on designs to make it an even better place.
A memorial service celebrating his life was held on Saturday, August 5 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville, Texas. The full obituary, written by life-long friend Virgil Barfield, may be viewed and memorial condolences made to the family at www.shmfh. com.