John Edward Bell

John Edward Bell, Sr. passed away October 19, 2015 at the age of 94. He was a World War II Combat Veteran and he volunteered for service in the US Army Air Corp in 1942. After extensive combat crew preparation, Johnny was sent overseas and assigned to the 398th Bomb Group, 601st Bomb Squadron in England. As a member of the "Might Eighth Air Force" he participated in combat missions over Germany and France before receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1945. Despite the war, Johnny enjoyed his time in London and danced with the Queen. (Although he would say "she was only a princess at the time.") Johnny met and married the lady he would always describe as "the love of my life", Virginia Doris Dollahite "Gincie". After the war they settled in Corinth where the radio station WCMA was being built. He was the first employee of the station and was soon promoted to Station Manager and later General Manager and Vice President of the Dixie Network. Johnny was a vital member of the community. He was the lead voice and spearhead for establishing the Corinth City Park. He was involved in the Corinth YMCA, later known as the Sportsplex, and was given a lifetime member award. He was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, serving as member and/or Chairman of various church committees. He has been the announcer for the annual Christmas parade from the beginning. He had a great spirit for life and learning and was an avid reader. He loved airplanes, playing bridge, dominos and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Johnny has friends of all ages. He remained active and independent, and in 2014 went to England and France to participate in the 70th Anniversary of D-Day where he met and entertained numerous people with his war stories. He is survived by his children: John Edward Bell, Jr (Eddy) and wife Jean, of Corinth, Virginia Elizabeth (Ginger) Bond and husband Rodney, of Grapevine, Texas, Sydney Wade Bell II of Pendleton, Oregon and Mary Melissa Johann of Colleyville, Texas. Grandchildren are: John Edward Bell III and wife Melissa, Ryan Wade Bell and wife Hillary, Reed Bond and wife Amanda, Valerie Bond, Mary Elizabeth Chee and husband Matt, Troy Cook and Tayler Johann. Great grandchildren are: Ainsley Bell, Finley Bell, Emme Bell and Michelle Bond. He was preceded in death by his beloved Gincie (Virginia Doris Dollahite) and his parents, James Hugh and Wilda Elizabeth Loftis Bell. Visitation is scheduled from 10 AM until service time, Monday, October 26, 2015, at First United Methodist Church - Corinth, MS. A celebration of John's life will be held at 11 AM, Monday, October 26, 2015 at First United Methodist Church. Magnolia Funeral Home is honored to assist the family of John Edward Bell. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors Project or the First United Methodist Church - Corinth, MS. Online condolences may be expressed at magnoliafuneralhome.net.