Final Salute

Warren Miller Bell, 88, of Alexandria, VA, passed away on September 17, 2024. A dedicated naval officer, civil servant, author, and family man, Warren led a life marked by service, creativity, and devotion to his loved ones.

Born and raised in El Dorado, Arkansas, Warren pursued higher education with vigor, earning a BS and MS in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas, and later an MBA from The George Washington University. After undergraduate school, Warren married the love of his life, Annette Hudgens, and they set off on a life together full of adventure and travel all over the world.

Warren’s distinguished 29-year naval career culminated in major command as Commanding Officer of Navy Public Works Center Guam. He retired from the Navy as a Captain. He served with honor in the Seabees as Operations Officer for Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40 during the Vietnam War, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V Device among other citations for his exemplary service. Following his military career, Warren continued to serve his community as the City Engineer for Alexandria, Virginia.

In retirement, Warren’s passion for storytelling flourished as he authored and published four novels, adding to a lifetime of creating tales that delighted his family. He was renowned for his ability to craft imaginative bedtime stories for his children and grandchildren, inventing memorable characters tailored to their interests.

Warren was a man of many talents, with music holding a special place in his heart. His rich baritone voice graced church and community choirs, often as a soloist in performances of Handel’s Messiah. Music was an integral part of Warren’s daily life; he filled his home with song, sharing even the silliest tunes with those around him. This love of music extended to his children, whom he encouraged to learn musical instruments and participate in school bands, fostering a musical legacy within his family.

An accomplished woodworker, Warren crafted beautiful furniture, including a cherished cradle used by all his grandchildren. He was also an avid vegetable gardener, a dedicated Boy Scout troop leader, and a voracious reader with a particular interest in history.

Committed to his community, Warren was deeply involved with his United Methodist Church congregation, serving on the board. He also volunteered his professional engineering skills as Facilities Manager for his Williamsburg housing community.

Warren is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Annette Hudgens Bell, and his children Stephen Spencer Bell (Susan) of Garden Ridge, TX, and Karen Bell Williams (David) of Alexandria, VA. He leaves behind four grandchildren: David Arvelo (Jessica) of Miami, FL, Sarah Arvelo of Alexandria, VA, Thomas Bell of Boise, ID, and Evan Williams of Alexandria, VA. Warren was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Margaret Bell; his father, Jewell Thomas Bell and mother, Hazel Olive Bell, both of Magnolia, AR; and his brother, William Thomas Bell of Phoenix, AZ.

Visitation will be held at Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia, AR, on Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. A graveside service will take place at Magnolia Memorial Park Cemetery on Monday, September 30th at 10:30 a.m. with Dr. Eric Goble officiating. A memorial service celebrating Warren’s life will be held at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, Williamsburg, VA, on October 12, 2024, at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Warren’s memory may be made to Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

Warren Miller Bell’s life was a testament to service, creativity, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the music he shared, and the stories he told.

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