Billie Ray Bell
October 25, 1957 - September 20, 2025
Billie Ray Bell was born on October 25, 1957, in Racine, Wisconsin, to the late Harold Bell and Irma Phillips. He peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington.
Billie spent his early years in Wisconsin, where he attended Israel of God Church and Jefferson Elementary School. In 1968, he relocated to Wilmar, Arkansas, and later graduated from Wilmar High School in 1975. Shortly after, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country as an Aircraft Mechanic from December 16, 1975, to December 11, 1978.
After his military service, Billie returned to Wilmar, where he married Patrical McNeary. From this union, one daughter was born, De'Sire Bell-Lopez. In 1986, Billie and his family moved to Dallas, Texas, where he worked as a truck driver for The Dallas Morning News.
Billie eventually returned to Wilmar and continued his career in trucking as a log truck driver, working for respected operators such as Preacher Jones, Welton Green, Walter Burks, and P.C. Sanders. In 2000, he made another move-this time to Fife, Washington-where he pursued entrepreneurship and founded his own company, No Limit Hulk Hauling. Alongside his business, he followed his lifelong passion for buying and fixing vehicles until his health began to decline.
On April 5, 2001, Billie married Helen Louise Rhodes, and the couple shared a devoted marriage until her passing in 2023.
Billie was preceded in death by his wife, parents, grandparents, and one grandchild.
He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Alicia Jones and Cynthia Cameron of Wilmar, AR, De'Sire (Frank) Lopez of Dallas, TX, and David (Theadosha) Bell of North Little Rock, AR; two stepsons, Rodrick McNeary and Deangus Wright of Houston, TX; fourteen grandchildren, Elijah Francis, Vincent Steppes Jr., Ja'Cari Oglesby, Tyshuna Steppes, Londyn Lopez, Bostin Lopez, Reagan Bell, Zahir Bell, Josiah Bell, Tahj Bell, Kaydance Bell, Kamonii Bell, Roderick Marquice Heinen; eleven bonus grandchildren; one great-grandchild, Kingston Steppes; siblings Michael (Sue), Harold, Sam (Lisa), Derick (Tyeisha), David, Cory (Keyona), Michael Webb (Gail), Jeannette (James), Janet (Leon), Gloria, and Effie; one stepsister, Michelle Blake (Bobby); stepmother, Lisa Bell; his significant other, Chiponery Lewis; as well as numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and many beloved long-term friends, including James Bass, Marvin Hopson, Marlon Perry, Jason P., Little John, Flocka, Glen, Parshay, and Willie Lewis.
Billie will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for family, and his passion for life. His presence touched many, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
There will be a visitation Friday, October 3, 2025, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Bethel Cemetery, Stafford Road, Wilmar, Arkansas. You can sign Billie's guestbook here on his page.
Obituary Provided By:
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR 71655
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